Gov't welcomes removal of visas for travel to EU

ST GEORGE:Grenada's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tillman Thomas has welcomed a policy decision by the European Commission (EC) to allow Grenadians to travel to the Schengen area without needing a visa.

Thomas said last Friday the decision provides Grenadians with the chance to take advantage of opportunities that may arise from business exchanges and people to people contact.

He welcomed the announcement from Cecilia Malmström, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Home Affairs that the change is more than "just a symbolic gesture" and is intended to have a direct impact between the EC and Grenada.

"This is a very positive step for Grenada and the four other Caribbean countries that will benefit from the change," said Thomas.

"It will increase opportunities for our people travelling to Europe and it will make it easier for the development of partnerships. We welcome this development because it will also impact our tourism industry," added Thomas.

The objective is to simplify travel to the Schengen area, as well as to Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania.

A national from one of these countries would no longer require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) if he or she is in possession of a passport, be it for business, tourist or family visit purposes.

This will make travel planning easier and reduce the travelling costs.

Regional member states' limited consular presence in many of these countries has resulted in visa applicants often having to travel abroad to apply for a Schengen visa.