As the 31 October date for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union draws near, the Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor’s Office and the Anguilla Passport Office have put together a list of questions and answers which we hope may answer any questions people may have on the issue of citizenship and passports.
Q: What will happen to my passport?
A. Your eligibility for British Overseas Territories citizenship, registration as a British Citizen along with the criteria for obtaining a British passport or an Anguilla (British Overseas Territories Citizen) passport will not change after Brexit.
Q: Will it be more difficult to travel to St. Martin with my Anguilla passport after Brexit?
A: No, the French government have confirmed that existing arrangements will not change when travelling to the French side of St Martin with an Anguilla (BOTC) or a British passport after Brexit. BOTC and British passport holders will continue to have visa-free access for 90 days in any 180 days.
Q: I have an Anguillian passport and sometimes stay with friends or relatives on the Dutch side of St Maarten. Will I still be entitled to stay without a visa?
A: Yes you will. Dutch Sint Maarten is not a part of the EU and the Dutch government have confirmed that short stay visitors will continue to have the right to visit without a visa.
Q: With my Anguilla – British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) passport, will I be able to visit Europe without a visa?
A: Yes – BOTC passport holders’ rights are not linked to the UK’s membership of the EU. This includes the 90-day visa free access to the Schengen area in any 180 days
Q: My British Passport has European Union written on the front – do I need to get a new passport?
A: No need to get a new passport – this wording on a British citizen passport does not affect its validity.
Q: I am travelling to Europe on my British passport – can I still do this?
A: Yes, however the rules for travel for British Citizen passport holders to most countries in Europe may change. If your passport was issued over 9 years ago, you may be affected. There is a helpful on-line tool on Gov.UK which will help you check whether your passport is still valid for travel depending on where you are going. https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-for-travel-to-europe
Q: What documents will I need to qualify for a British passport after Brexit?
A: Eligibility criteria for British citizen and Anguilla BOTC passport will not change at all as a result of Brexit.
Q: Will the rules of eligibility for entry into the US with an ESTA change?
A: The eligibility and application process to be part of the ESTA visa-waiver programme for British Citizen passport holders will remain the same.
– From The Governor’s Office, Anguilla
