Visa-free travel to EU agreed for five Caricom countries

The European Union (EU) has agreed to allow nationals of St Lucia, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago to have visa-free travel to 26 countries in the EU.

In a statement yesterday, the Government of Saint Lucia welcomed the move which followed the signing of an Agreement between the EU and the representatives of the Caricom countries and two other countries at a ceremony held at EU Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. According to St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, “This Agreement is wonderful testimony of the friendship between Europe and the Caribbean and will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds of co-operation between our states.”

Under the Agreement, nationals of the Caribbean nations can travel to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180- day period without a visa. The identical rights have been extended to citizens of the EU who travel to the Caribbean states.

A release from the European Union noted that “Visa-free travel applies to all categories of persons and for any kind of purpose of travel (for instance tourism, cultural visits, scientific activities, family visits, business etc.) except to persons travelling for the purpose of carrying out paid activity.”