EU Citizens Get 6 Months Visa-Free in the UK — But UK Residents Can’t Visit the EU at All Without a Visa

I am a legal resident of the United Kingdom — I live here, work here, contribute to society, and call this country home. Yet despite holding a valid UK residence permit, I face the constant obstacle of needing a Schengen visa just to visit nearby European countries — whether for a weekend, family visit, or business trip.

Meanwhile, EU citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months, even if they don’t live in the UK. In contrast, UK residents who are not UK or EU citizens must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Europe — no matter how long they’ve lived in the UK or how strong their ties are.

This creates a real imbalance. It treats people differently based purely on their passport — not their status, their contribution to society, or their established lives in the UK.

This policy doesn’t just limit my personal freedom — it restricts my ability to give back to society. I’ve come across several meaningful volunteer projects across Europe that align with my skills and passion, but because of the visa barrier, I’ve had to pass on those opportunities. Whether it’s environmental work, humanitarian aid, or cultural exchange programs, I want to contribute to making this planet better — but the current system blocks me from doing so simply because of the passport I hold, not the values I live by.

We are calling for fairness and reciprocity. At a minimum, legal UK residents should be allowed to visit the EU visa-free for 90 days, just as UK citizens currently can. The EU and UK should work toward an agreement that recognizes residency status — not just nationality — as the basis for visa-free travel.

Travel restrictions limit lives. They divide families, block job opportunities, and make it harder for people like me to contribute across borders in today’s interconnected world.

Please sign this petition to support fair and equal travel rights for all legal UK residents.