British holidaymakers planning to explore Europe next summer will need to apply for a €7 (around £6.00) visa waiver, according to EU officials. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to launch in spring, similar to the US ESTA system.
Here are the key details:
- Cost: The visa waiver will cost €7 (£6.00) per application.
- Duration: The ETIAS waiver will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires.
- Coverage: Nationals of 60 countries, including Brits, will need to apply for this waiver before traveling to EU countries.
- Popular Destinations: The new requirement will impact Brits visiting popular holiday spots such as France, Spain, and Portugal.
- Application Process: Most ETIAS applications will be approved within minutes, but in some cases, it could take up to 30 days. Travellers are advised to apply before booking flights or accommodations
- Those aged between 18 and 70 can use the visa waiver for stays up to 90 days in 180 day period.
The EU aims to enhance border security with these changes, ensuring safer travel for millions of tourists. If you do not have a biometric passport then it will be a requirement to have your fingerprints and photograph taken when entering Europe just the same as for the US.
The scheme aims to be rolled out by early November and it is not certain at the moment if airlines will be made to check travellers have a valid ETIAS pass before flying.
So, if you’re planning a European getaway, remember to check the ETIAS requirements well in advance!