EUN06 - The EU Common Visa List (CVL)

This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance staff on the handling of applications made outside the United Kingdom (UK). It is a live document under constant review and is for information only.

EUN6.1 What is the EU Common Visa List?

The UK does not participate in or have a vote in Council on Regulation 539/2001 (CVL). The list of nationals requiring a visa for entry to the UK is kept under review and introduced, or lifted, on the basis of national immigration need.

Council Regulation (EC) No 574/1999 of 12 March 1999 determined the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the Member States. This entered into force on 19 March 1999. This Regulation was replaced by Regulation 539/2001 which entered into force on 10 April 2001.

Regulation 539/2001 contains two Annexes:

  • Annex I lists the third country nationals who are required to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen area,
  • Annex II lists the third country nationals who do not require visas.

Regulation 539/2001 was subsequently amended by Council Regulation (EC) 1932/2006 which entered into force on 19 January 2007. Among other things the amendment refers to categories of British nationals who require a visa when crossing the external borders, and those who are exempt from this requirement:

  • Annex I (visa required) - British Overseas Territories Citizens without a right of abode in the UK, British Overseas Citizens, British Subjects without a right of abode in the UK and British Protected Persons.
  • Annex II (no visa required) - British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Subjects with a right of abode in the UK.

Although a British overseas territory, Gibraltar is part of the EU under UK membership, and Gibraltarians have been recognised as UK nationals for EU purposes since the UK acceded to the European Community in 1973. Gibraltar is within the EU by virtue of Article 299(4) of the Treaty establishing the European Community. Gibraltarians have rights of free movement within the EU.