Is visa free travel the way forward?

Post Brexit all EU citizen’s will still have visa free entry to the UK, whereas UK citizens will soon need an ESTIAS to visit Europe. This of course is a huge turnaround for UK citizen’s use to visa free European travel.  While the UK will no longer have the range of visa free travel it once had, Taiwan has decided to extend its visa free entry to 10 Latin American Countries which is also a big change in process. Previously Taiwan have not always allowed visa free entry to their country and these entry visas are for both visitors and business travellers. (source:www.mofa.gov.tw) 

What are the benefits of visa free entry? 

Visa free entry is not a new concept, in fact before World War I Western Europe did not require any passports or visa to travel between countries. As regions became more established stricter regulations on the movement of people cross-country were introduced. These are in place for security and economic reason, with visa free entry becoming a bargaining chip when establishing diplomatic and trade agreements.

Freedom of entry into a country has many benefits, not only will it increase tourism between the countries but these types of agreement encourage economic trade and growth. Europe’s single market is a great example of how removing barriers can create an economic powerhouse. With over $20 trillion in buying power, consolidation of trade has proven to be beneficial to those involved. (source:www.imf.org)

What are the negatives of open boarders?

Of course, there are some risks with allowing people to enter a country visa free. You are relying on those who enter to leave within the permitted period and let us be honest not all of them will but, this happens even with visa requirements in place. There is also a risk that employers could exploit these un-registered workers for financial gain. Entrants however will still require a valid passport and travel documents to pass through airport controls and they will be registered as being in the country. Regardless of these risks, the benefits of free movement for both countries outweigh the negatives.

Is visa free entry the future?

 In short, yes it is a utopian idea that the world will get to a point where we all get along and boarders will no longer matter. However, we are a long way off this, as the larger economic countries trade on a global stage governments will seek to ease trade taxes and smooth the entry process for their own nationals. It’s these types of conversations that will lead us to a visa free entry system, this cohesion between nations will ultimately lead to a more connected world, the digital age has broken down many global barriers and it seems the regulations on moving people around the global is starting to catch up.

Visa applications can be challenging, especially for business travel. BPS World Solutions has this expertise within its Total Talent Management services and can offer you the reassurance of a smooth, trouble free visa application process. If you are looking to organise work visas for your business, please get in touch – we are here to assist you.   

For any visa enquiries please contact: kris.simpson@bps-world.com