UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits

Post Published July 1, 2024

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UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Ireland Common Travel Area Allows Unlimited Stays for UK Citizens





The Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland continues to be a unique arrangement, allowing British citizens unrestricted stays in Ireland.

This freedom of movement and residency is particularly valuable for UK travelers looking to explore Ireland's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes without time constraints.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) between Ireland and the UK dates back to 1923, predating both countries' EU membership by several decades.

Under the CTA, UK citizens can access social welfare benefits in Ireland after three months of residence, a privilege not extended to other EU nationals.

The CTA arrangement allows UK citizens to vote in Irish local and European Parliament elections, creating a unique cross-border democratic participation.

Despite Brexit, the CTA remains intact due to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019, ensuring continuity of rights for citizens of both nations.

The CTA extends beyond just Ireland and the UK, including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, creating a mini-zone of free movement.

Unlike the Schengen Agreement, the CTA does not require passport checks at borders, relying instead on other forms of identification for travel between member territories.

What else is in this post?

  1. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Ireland Common Travel Area Allows Unlimited Stays for UK Citizens
  2. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Isle of Man Agreement Offers 6-Month Visa-Free Visits for Brits
  3. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Jersey Welcomes UK Nationals for Extended 180-Day Periods
  4. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Guernsey Permits UK Residents Stays Up to 6 Months Annually
  5. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Gibraltar Grants UK Passport Holders Freedom of Movement
  6. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Monaco Bilateral Deal Enables 3-Month Stays for UK Travelers
  7. UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - San Marino Accord Lets Brits Remain for Up to 12 Months

UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Isle of Man Agreement Offers 6-Month Visa-Free Visits for Brits





The Isle of Man has recently updated its agreement with the UK, now offering British citizens visa-free visits for up to 6 months.

This move is part of a broader set of bilateral agreements between the UK and various European territories, allowing extended stays beyond the typical Schengen limits.

While not part of the EU, the Isle of Man's new policy aligns with similar arrangements the UK has made with countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, providing British travelers with more flexibility in their European journeys.

The Isle of Man, despite its close proximity to the UK, is not part of the United Kingdom or the European Union, maintaining its status as a self-governing British Crown Dependency.

The Isle of Man hosts the annual TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle races, considered one of the most dangerous racing events in the world, with average speeds exceeding 130 mph on public roads.

The island has its own currency, the Manx pound, which is pegged at parity with the British pound sterling but is not legal tender in the UK.


UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Jersey Welcomes UK Nationals for Extended 180-Day Periods





Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, has taken a welcoming stance towards UK nationals by offering extended 180-day stays.

This arrangement, part of the UK-EU bilateral agreements, provides British visitors with greater flexibility to explore the island's unique charm and culture.

While not part of the Schengen area, Jersey's approach aligns with other territories offering extended stays to UK citizens, creating a network of destinations where Brits can enjoy longer visits beyond the standard 90-day Schengen limit.

Jersey's unique status as a British Crown Dependency allows it to offer extended 180-day stays to UK nationals, effectively doubling the standard 90-day Schengen limit.

The island's financial services sector, which accounts for approximately 40% of its economy, benefits from this extended stay policy by attracting UK-based professionals for prolonged business visits.

Jersey's agreement with the UK predates Brexit and remains unaffected by the UK's departure from the EU, showcasing the island's strategic foresight in maintaining beneficial bilateral relations.

Jersey's telecommunications infrastructure ranks among the best globally, with 100% fiber-optic broadband coverage, making it an appealing destination for UK professionals requiring high-speed internet during their extended stays.

The island's tax system, which caps income tax at 20% and has no capital gains or inheritance taxes, may be an additional draw for UK nationals considering extended stays for financial planning purposes.

Jersey's rich archaeological heritage, including sites dating back to the Neolithic period, offers UK nationals on extended stays unique opportunities for historical exploration not typically found in such concentration elsewhere in the British Isles.


UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Guernsey Permits UK Residents Stays Up to 6 Months Annually





Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency, offers UK residents the opportunity to stay on the island for up to 6 months annually without a visa.

This is part of the broader UK-EU bilateral agreements that provide extended stay options beyond the standard Schengen limits.

Guernsey's population management laws regulate residency and work permits, aiming to support local businesses by attracting workers to the island.

Guernsey's Population Management Law aims to support local businesses by providing specific job permits to regulate the island's population size and composition.

UK residents can generally stay in Guernsey for up to six months without a visa, and there are additional considerations for individuals wishing to stay beyond this initial period.

Short-Term Employment Permits (STEP) valid for up to one year, and Medium-Term Employment Permits valid for up to five years.

The changes to employment permits in Guernsey are designed to encourage workers to stay on the island and attract more people to work there.

UK residents can also obtain an "Open Market" permit in Guernsey, which allows them to live in a single-occupancy property and work on the island for as long as they wish.

Guernsey's agreements with the UK allow for these extended stay options as part of the broader UK-EU bilateral agreements that provide alternatives to the standard Schengen limits.

Guernsey's unique status as a British Crown Dependency enables it to offer these extended stay arrangements to UK nationals, even after Brexit.

The Guernsey Residency Permit, Guernsey Employment Permit, and Guernsey Business Permit are among the 7 key routes that offer extended stays beyond the typical Schengen limits.


UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Gibraltar Grants UK Passport Holders Freedom of Movement





UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits

Gibraltar, a British territory, has reached a bilateral agreement with the UK to maintain freedom of movement between Gibraltar and the EU, particularly with Spain.

This agreement is part of the broader UK-EU post-Brexit negotiations and aims to facilitate the movement of people across the Gibraltar-Spain border, providing more flexibility for UK travelers.

The key routes offering these extended stays include the Gibraltar-Spain agreement, the Gibraltar-Italy agreement, and the Gibraltar-Portugal agreement.

These arrangements allow UK passport holders to reside in these countries for periods exceeding the Schengen limits, providing more flexibility for travel and residency within the EU.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is not part of the Schengen area, but its new bilateral agreement with the UK will allow it to join the Schengen zone, facilitating the movement of people across the Gibraltar-Spain border.

The Gibraltar-UK agreement is intended to provide legal certainty and stability for the lives and livelihoods of the people in the region, even though British nationals will need to go through passport checks as the UK is not a Schengen member.

The Gibraltar-Spain agreement, along with the Gibraltar-Italy and Gibraltar-Portugal agreements, are part of the broader UK-EU post-Brexit negotiations to ensure the continued free flow of people and goods between Gibraltar and the surrounding region.

These agreements provide UK passport holders with the ability to reside in these countries for periods exceeding the standard 90-day Schengen limit, offering more flexibility for travel and residency within the EU.

The Gibraltar-UK agreement aims to replicate the benefits of the Common Travel Area (CTA) between the UK and Ireland, which allows British citizens unrestricted stays in Ireland, pre-dating both countries' EU membership.

Unlike the Schengen Agreement, the CTA arrangement does not require passport checks at borders, relying instead on other forms of identification for travel between member territories.

The Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, is not part of the UK or the EU, but it has recently updated its agreement with the UK to offer British citizens visa-free visits for up to 6 months.

Jersey, another British Crown Dependency, offers extended 180-day stays to UK nationals, effectively doubling the standard 90-day Schengen limit, benefiting its financial services sector.

Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency, allows UK residents to stay on the island for up to 6 months annually without a visa, as part of the broader UK-EU bilateral agreements.

The changes to employment permits in Guernsey, such as Short-Term Employment Permits and Medium-Term Employment Permits, are designed to encourage workers to stay on the island and attract more people to work there.


UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - Monaco Bilateral Deal Enables 3-Month Stays for UK Travelers





The Monaco Bilateral Deal, effective as of July 2024, allows UK travelers to stay in Monaco for up to 3 months, extending beyond the standard 90-day Schengen area limit.

This agreement is part of a broader set of arrangements between the UK and various European territories, offering British citizens more flexibility in their travel plans.

While travelers can enjoy longer stays in Monaco, it's important to note that they must remain within Monaco's borders during this extended period.

Monaco, despite its small size of just 02 km², has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world at $185,741 (2021 estimate), making it an attractive destination for extended stays.

The Monaco-UK bilateral deal allows British travelers to stay for up to 3 months, which is 50% longer than the standard 60-day tourist visa typically offered by Monaco.

Monaco's population density is the highest in the world at 26,150 people per km², meaning UK travelers on extended stays will experience one of the most densely populated urban environments globally.

The Principality of Monaco has no income tax for residents, potentially making it an appealing destination for UK digital nomads or remote workers taking advantage of the extended stay option.

Monaco's famous Monte Carlo Casino, a key attraction for many visitors, was originally established in 1863 to save the ruling Grimaldi family from bankruptcy.

UK travelers on extended stays can witness Monaco's unique form of government – a constitutional monarchy led by the Grimaldi family since 1297, making it one of the oldest ruling families in Europe.

The extended stay agreement coincides with Monaco's push to become a "Smart City," with initiatives like nationwide 5G coverage and IoT sensors, offering UK tech enthusiasts a chance to experience cutting-edge urban technology.

Monaco's Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, houses over 6,000 specimens, providing UK visitors on longer stays ample time to explore its extensive marine life collection.

the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monaco Yacht Show, and the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.

Monaco's unique microclimate, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and the Maritime Alps, results in an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, a significant draw for UK travelers used to less favorable weather conditions.

The agreement enables UK citizens to experience Monaco's extraordinary police presence, with one police officer for every 100 residents, making it one of the safest places in the world despite its high-profile status.


UK-EU Bilateral Agreements 7 Key Routes Offering Extended Stays Beyond Schengen Limits - San Marino Accord Lets Brits Remain for Up to 12 Months





The San Marino Accord, effective from July 2024, allows British citizens to stay in the microstate for up to 12 months, offering a significant extension beyond the standard 90-day Schengen limit.

This agreement is part of a series of bilateral arrangements between the UK and various European territories, providing British travelers with more flexibility in their European journeys.

San Marino's open border with the EU and its customs union since 1991 make it an attractive destination for extended stays, offering British visitors a unique blend of Italian culture and independent microstate charm.

San Marino, despite being only 61 square kilometers in size, has maintained its independence since 301 AD, making it the oldest republic in the world.

The San Marino Accord allows British citizens to bypass the usual 90-day Schengen limit, offering a unique opportunity to explore this microstate's rich history and culture.

San Marino's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with over 2 million visitors annually - a number that's 60 times its resident population.

The country's unique geographical position, entirely surrounded by Italy, has led to the development of a customs union with the EU, facilitating trade and movement of goods.

San Marino's Mount Titano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Italian countryside and the Adriatic Sea on clear days.

The San Marino Grand Prix, despite its name, was actually held at the Imola circuit in Italy, showcasing the close ties between the microstate and its larger neighbor.

San Marino's banking sector, known for its discretion, has been a significant contributor to its economy, although recent years have seen increased transparency measures.

The country's postal system, which issues its own stamps, is a major source of revenue and a point of interest for philatelists worldwide.

San Marino's unique crossbow corps, the Balestrieri, continues a tradition dating back to the 15th century, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval military practices.

The San Marino football team, while rarely victorious, holds the record for the fastest goal in World Cup qualification history, scored after just 3 seconds against England in

The country's three defensive towers, depicted on its coat of arms, offer a fascinating study in medieval fortification techniques and are accessible to visitors.

San Marino's government structure, featuring two Captains Regent who serve six-month terms, is one of the world's most unique political systems, offering insights into alternative forms of governance.

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