In many border crossings, there are special routes for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (and their family members) and other routes for all travellers, regardless of nationality. [217] In some border crossing points, there is a third type of route for Annex II nationals (third-country/EEA/Swiss visa-exempt nationals). [218] Although Andorran and San Marines citizens are not EU or EEA citizens, they can nevertheless use the special routes provided for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. [219] After Brexit, British citizens will not be able to use the EU track in the current state of the rules, unless such a right is negotiated in the Brexit agreement with the EU. The new EU Member States do not sign the Schengen Agreement as such, but are required to implement the Schengen rules within the framework of existing EU legislation that any new entrant must accept. [Citation required] However, certain third-country nationals are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days without having to apply for an extended residence visa. For example, France does not require citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City to apply for a visa for an extended stay. [252] In addition, Article 20(2) of the Agreement implementing the Schengen Agreement provides that this remains applicable “in exceptional circumstances” and bilateral agreements concluded by certain signatory States with other countries before the entry into force of the Convention. As a result, for example, New Zealand nationals can stay up to 90 days in each of the Schengen countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) that had already concluded bilateral visa waiver agreements with the New Zealand government before the entry into force of the agreement, without the New Zealand government having if an extended stay visa needs to be applied for. However, for travel to other Schengen countries, the 90 days apply over a period of 180 days. [253] [254] [255] [256] [257] [258] [259] [260] [261] [262] [263] [excess citations] Visa liberalisation negotiations between the EU and the Western Balkans (excluding Kosovo) began in the first half of 2008 and ended in 2009 (for Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) and 2010 (Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Before the total abolition of visas, the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) had signed in 2008 “visa facilitation agreements” with the Schengen countries. Visa facilitation agreements were then intended to reduce waiting times, reduce visa fees (including free visas for certain categories of travellers) and reduce red tape.
However, in practice, the new procedures have proved to be longer, more cumbersome and more costly, and many people have complained that it is easier to obtain visas before the entry into force of the facilitation agreements. [290] [291] [292] Schengen States that share an external land border with a third country have the right, in accordance with EU Regulation 1931/2006, to conclude or maintain bilateral agreements with neighbouring third countries for the purpose of implementing a local border transport regime. [273] These agreements define a border area that can extend on either side of the border to a maximum of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and provide for the granting of permits for local border traffic to the inhabitants of the border area. . . .