The UK and the European Union are discussing the possibility to introduce a visa programme for the young. A Youth Visa should make it easier for young Europeans to visit the UK to study or work, for instance.
An important matter for the UE
The introduction of a visa programme for the young is an important matter for the EU. Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain or Italy are insisting to introduce the programme. In 2024, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak approached several EU countries individually to negotiate a visa agreement. However, the European Commission is calling for an EU-wide agreement for young people from across the European Union
The EU attaches great importance to the creation of a EU-wide visa programme. However, this plan is controversial in the UK. The reason for this is that the UK government is committed to reducing immigration and is therefore reluctant to go back to free movement of persons between the EU and the UK. Hence, the UK Labour Party stated still not long ago that the introduction of a new visa programme for young Europeans was out of the question for the time being.
A EU-wide visa programme back on the agenda
More than 60 British Labour Party MPs have written recently to the minister in charge advocating for the creation of a new visa programme for young people. According to these MPs, such a visa would provide cultural, educational and economic opportunities for young people.
The EU initially proposed a Youth Mobility programme. However, the name of this programme has been toned down to Youth Experience program in order accommodate the UK government. This name should emphasise the temporary nature of the programme and make it clear that there will not be a total free movement with the EU.
A long-awaited “reset” between Brussels and London
On 19th May 2025, an EU-UK summit will be held in London with the aim of restoring EU-UK relations after the Brexit. The British Labour Party even speaks of a ‘reset’ of the relationship with the EU. The party already stated in their 2024 elections manifesto that they aimed at reducing trade barriers with the EU and improve relations.
During the preparations for this summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have also discussed the possible introduction of the Youth Visa. They aim to announce an ambitious package of measures at the May summit, regarding the security, defence and energy policies, but also about visas. German ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger expressed positive views on the chances of reaching an agreement about a visa programme.
What does the Youth Visa involve?
Currently, the UK has a similar visa agreement with 12 countries outside the EU. These include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Andorra, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Young people from these countries can apply for a visa to study, work or even set up a business in the UK for up to two years.
The Youth Visa should become available to EU citiziens in the 18-30 age range, and would allow them to spend a limited period of time in the UK to work, study, volunteer or travel around the country. It is still unknown for how long the visa will be valid for EU citizens and what the exact conditions and cost would be. There will probably be a limit to the maximum number of visas granted annually.
Holiday or studies with an ETA UK
Eeuropean young people who want to travel to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland right now can use the ETA UK. This is a digital travel authorisation that can be quickly and easily applied for online. An ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 consecutive months. The ETA can be used to go on holiday or to study in the UK. However, it does not allow you to work for a UK company.