Bermudians could have visa-free travel to the European Union by March, according to Shadow Education Minister Walton Brown.

Mr Brown said that between 2009 and 2011, he lobbied on behalf of the Bermuda Government it include Bermuda and other British Overseas Territories in the list of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen member countries of the EU — 26 nations that agreed to abolish passport and immigration controls at their shared borders.

The list of Schengen member countries include Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Germany, Finland and Sweden, among others.

While he said there were complications due to a proposal to add Columbia and Peru to the list, he has been told the European Parliament and Council will recommence discussions after Christmas and a decision should be made soon.

“If there are no further complications the amended list of countries which have visa-free travel to the EU will be made into law in March 2014,” Mr Brown said. “Once the amendment is published in the Official Journal of the European Union, Bermudians and other OTCs, will be able to travel visa-free to the area within 20 days.”