A scheme apparently being debated by the executive body of the European Union suggests the 26-nation passport-free Schengen zone, which does not include the United Kingdom, could operate a visa programme similar to the USA waiver.
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It would operate in a similar way to the American system, meaning visitors from outside the zone would need to apply for a visa before travelling.
“Small countries should not be overruled”, he said.
On Saturday, UK media reported that UK nationals might have to apply online and pay for European Union travel after the withdrawal from the bloc in compliance with the European Union plans to present a visa waiver scheme similar to the U.S. system.
“In the future, we will be guided by making sure that we support the people who come to the United Kingdom, who really add value to the economy”, Rudd said.
The European Commission is due to reveal draft legislation for the so-called EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) later this year, as part of its response to the terror threat.
The Conservative’s election promise to limit immigration is still a goal, said Rudd, as she also revealed that a work permit system was one potential option for controlling immigration after Prime Minister Theresa May last week ruled out a points system.
When asked if Irish workers might face the need to get work permits post Brexit, a spokeswoman for the UK Home Office told the Irish Independent she could not add anything further ahead of the negotiations.
Asked about the possibility Britons might need visas to travel to the European Union after Brexit, Rudd said that suggestion is “a reminder that this is a two-way negotiation”.
In the first full month since the Brexit result, there were 7,321 applications from people in Great Britain.
Currently British citizens enjoy easy movement between countries within the continent, but this could become more hard following Brexit. Introducing visas would hurt British businesses and families going on holiday.
She also confirmed the government was looking at ways of reducing the number of people using student visas to come to the United Kingdom, but said there would be “no blanket ban”.
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Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Having to pay for a visa to visit or work in Europe is another sign that things are happening around this Brexit Tory Government and all they seem to do is squabble amongst themselves”.
