The European Union may start requiring visas for visitors
from both the United States and Canada, according to TheWall Street Journal. The
European Commission is discussing the move because neither country has visa
waivers in place for all member nations of the EU. Both require visas for
travelers from Romania and Bulgaria, and the United States also requires visas
for travelers from Croatia, Cyprus and Poland. The commission has asked
governments and lawmakers in the EU to comment on the course of action by July
12.
Global Business Travel Association executive
director Michael McCormick said a visa waiver suspension would be detrimental
to business travel between Europe and the United States and Canada. He added: "A
suspension would also create a backlog of visa applications for travel to
Europe, decrease international travel and create a lasting, negative impact on
EU relations with the United States and Canada."