EU travelers facing €7 charge for summer visits to UK - details on the EU visa waiver plan
The European Union is set to introduce a new travel authorisation system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias). This scheme, which is expected to begin in the first half of 2025, will affect 1.4 billion people from more than 60 countries, including the United Kingdom.
Currently, visitors from the UK can enjoy visa-free travel to the EU's borderless Schengen area for up to 90 days every 180 days. However, with the arrival of the Etias scheme, this will change. The scheme will require a travel authorisation for visitors from certain non-EU countries, including the UK, to enter 30 European countries for a short visit.
The Etias waiver application will be done online or via a mobile app, and it will cost €7 for most people. This is cheaper than the US Esta. The application form will take around 10 minutes to complete and will require passport information, employment details, any criminal convictions, and medical conditions.
Holidaymakers and business travellers from the UK will need to apply and pay for the waiver before traveling. While more than 95% of Etias applications will be approved automatically within minutes, it may take up to 72 hours for an application to be approved in some cases.
The Etias waiver will last for three years and allow an unlimited number of visits. Travellers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the €7 fee.
The 30 European countries that require a visa waiver from UK travellers include popular holiday destinations like France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Croatia, as well as cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. The start of the Etias scheme could affect holidaymakers traveling during the May half-term and the summer holidays next year.
It's important to note that applications for the Etias waiver can be denied. Longer stays will require a visa. The United States, which has recently joined the UK in the US Visa Waiver Program, is among the European countries affected by the EU visa waiver system. This allows citizens of these countries to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a traditional visa, using the ESTA electronic system for travel authorization.
In conclusion, the Etias scheme is an important development for UK travellers planning to visit Europe. By familiarising themselves with the requirements and process, they can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
