On behalf of the Commission, I was very glad to sign this agreement which grants visa-free travel both to citizens of Peru travelling to the EU, and EU citizens travelling to Peru for short stays of up to 90 days.
Back in spring 2014, the EU took the political decision to grant visa-free travel to Peruvians, subject to the conclusion of a reciprocal visa waiver agreement.
Today’s signature – almost two years later – marks the culmination of this process.
I would like to thank our Peruvian partners – President Humala, Foreign Minister Sánchez and their collaborators – for the excellent cooperation throughout this process.
In particular, I would like to congratulate the Peruvian Government for the swift and successful introduction of biometric passports, which started last month.
This was an important condition for our Member States in order to grant the visa waiver, but it will first and foremost benefit Peruvian citizens, who will have more secure travel documents.
It is very important that the transition to the new biometric passports system is concluded by the end of July.
I am also very glad that we can apply the agreement on a provisional basis as from tomorrow, something that the Commission has proposed in order to let our respective citizens benefit quicker from the visa waiver.
This means that, as from tomorrow, nationals of Peru coming to the EU for tourism, business meetings, visits of family and friends, short-term training, journalism, cultural or sports events, or medical treatment do not need to apply for a visa.
They can book their flights directly and come and stay whenever they want for up to 90 days.
They cannot, however, work in the EU during this period.
I know that the people of Peru have been looking forward to this day, and I trust that this agreement will therefore strongly contribute to strengthening trade relations, cultural exchange as well people-to-people contacts between Europe and Peru, and Latin America in general.
I am certain that the agreement will also further enhance our cooperation on migration matters and reinforce the already strong bilateral relations between the EU and Peru.