EU/Antigua and Barbuda Agreement: short-stay visa waiver

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion of the amending agreement between the European Union and Antigua and Barbuda on the short-stay visa waiver.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2019/75 on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Antigua and Barbuda amending the Agreement between the European Community and Antigua and Barbuda on the short-stay visa waiver.

CONTENT: the Council approved, on behalf of the European Union, the Agreement between the EU and Antigua and Barbuda amending the Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver.

As a reminder, the Commission negotiated, on behalf of the Union an agreement with Antigua and Barbuda which amends the Agreement between the European Community and Antigua and Barbuda on the short-stay visa waiver. The amending agreement has been signed.

The amending agreement ensures legal coherence and harmonisation between Member States, in accordance with the new definition of short-term stay provided for by the amendment of the Schengen Borders Code. It therefore provides for a visa-free travel regime for EU citizens and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

This Decision constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom and Ireland do not participate. Consequently, these two countries are not bound by this decision or subject to its application.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.12.2018.