Ambassador Singh advocates for visa-free movement to Schengen countries

An appeal to remove the Schengen visa travel restriction was made today when the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, hosted an informal breakfast meeting with ambassadors from Central and South America at the European Parliament.

Representing Guyana at the meeting was ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, Sasnarine Singh.

Singh addressed the meeting to advocate for the removal of visa requirements for Guyanese nationals travelling to Schengen countries.

He underscored “the need to enhance trade and economic relations between Guyana and the European Union” and “called for strengthened cooperation to facilitate the successful development and implementation of projects under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative.”

The Guyana Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium stated that the breakfast event sought to provide a platform for discussions on strengthening EU-Latin America relations during the current parliamentary term. Similar appeals to Ambassador Singh’s were made by other prominent voices in society. 

In 2023, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali stated that at least five European Union (EU) countries had agreed to sponsor Guyana’s bid for Schengen visa-free travel.

He explained that for the visa requirement to be lifted, Guyana would need sponsoring countries within the EU. “I’m very pleased to tell you that we have at least five countries that have agreed to sponsor us to begin the process within the EU itself. But there’s a bigger issue that we have to address, and that is our passports and what is required for future traveling,” he said.

He added that Guyana would need to upgrade its passports, as biometrics and e-passports are critical for global travelers.

Less than a week ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched Guyana’s new ten-year e-passport, which comes with an electronic chip for easier movement across borders.

A release from the ministry stated that “the upgrade aligns Guyana with international standards for secure travel documents, ensuring smoother border crossings and enhanced authentication. Additionally, the design of the new passport embraces the One Guyana theme, reflecting the nation’s unity and cultural diversity.”

Last October, Guyanese residents gained the ability to apply for Schengen visas in-country. Previously, applicants were required to travel to neighboring Suriname to apply for the document. Today, applications can be made in Georgetown.

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.