The European Union has confirmed its €7 visa waiver fee for British holidaymakers by next summer. This new requirement, expected to come into effect in the first half of 2025, most likely during the May Half-Term holidays, will apply to visitors from over 60 non-EU countries, including the UK.
This new visa system, known as the ETIAS (or European Travel Information and Authorisation System in full), means UK passengers will need to apply for a visa waiver similar to the US ESTA before travelling.
The ETIAS will apply to travel within the Schengen Area, which consists of most European countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. But there are some exceptions, meaning you won't require an ETIAS pass to enter Ireland, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The good news is that you won't have to apply for an ETIAS pass every time you travel to Europe. This visa waiver will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first and will allow unlimited entries.
Once you have a valid ETIAS pass, you can travel through Europe (in the Schengen Area) without border checks for up to 90 days without a visa.
The €7 fee will apply to those between the ages of 18 and 70, while the waiver will be free for children and seniors over 70.
These new visa requirements for passengers from the UK and other select countries will come after the launch of the EU's new Entry/Exit Scheme (EES), taking place on 10th November 2024. This system will require non-EU travellers to register their fingerprints and a photo instead of having their passports stamped.
Then, in the first half of 2025, the ETIAS requirement will come into action for those selected 60 countries of which the UK is a part.
With over 700 million tourists visiting Europe last year, these new systems are being put in place to improve security for EU citizens. But it also makes it more difficult for individuals to overstay their visits or use fake passports.
The EU has introduced these new measures due to concerns over migration and terrorism.
The ETIAS waiver system will require citizens from certain non-EU countries, including the UK, to apply for a visa waiver to travel within the Schengen zone.
Every airport, harbour, or road entering Europe would have strict digital border controls. Border guards will check the document when crossing the EU border.
You will need to apply for the ETIAS online or through a mobile app, a process that the EU describes as quick and straightforward, taking no more than 10 minutes. The application will require passport details, questions regarding criminal records or medical conditions, and the €7 per person payment.
The EU expects that more than 95% of applications will be approved automatically within minutes. However, in some cases, it may take up to 72 hours; in exceptional circumstances, it could take up to four weeks.
As your Travel Consultant, I'll be reminding you to get your ETIAS sorted along with organising all your other paperwork to ensure a smooth holiday experience.
I'll be in touch to inform you of any updates if they affect you and your plans.
If you want to find out more, head to the EU’s ETIAS website