What’s the first thing you do after returning from a summer holiday? Start planning another one, of course.
However, heading to Europe next year will be a little different, as a new visa scheme called ETIAS is being introduced.
That means anyone travelling to popular tourist hotspots like Portugal, Spain or Greece, will all need to apply.
Here is what you need to know.
What is ETIAS?
Known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the waiver will be similar to the ESTA, which is required for UK passport holders travelling to the USA.
Set to be launched in spring, travellers will need to apply online or via an app. Most applications should be approved within a few minutes – although it could take up to three days.
More complex passengers should give themselves 30 days to be approved
How much is ETIAS?
Officials in Brussels have confirmed that Brits travelling to Europe will need to apply for a €7 (around £6) visa waiver.
When will ETIAS begin?
The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is set to be launched in spring 2025, according to Ylva Johansson, the EU home affairs commissioner.
The ETIAS will be introduced alongside the EUs new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will come into force on November 10.
How long will ETIAS be valid?
The visas will be valid for three years – or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. And, while travellers aged 18 to 70 will need to pay the charge, it will be free for everyone else.
If the ETIAS are indeed launched by spring, it could mean that anyone going away during May half-term will require one.
Why has ETIAS been introduced?
The EES means that all passengers without EU passports will have their fingerprints and pictures taken upon arrival.
The aim is that the combination of the ETIAS and EES will make the European Union’s borders more secure.
EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said: ‘With the Entry/Exit System we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area, with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long. Countering irregular migration.
‘And the Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports. Thanks to biometric identification: photos and fingerprints. It will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU, making travel easier, and border checks gradually faster.
‘And then the next step comes quick – ETIAS. Live in 2025 – travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for people from 60 visa free countries.’
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