The EU (European Union) has delayed launching its €7 travel fee for British tourists on holiday until late 2023.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System was initially anticipated to come into operation next month, but has since been pushed back until winter next year - November 2023 to be exact. Anyone travelling from the UK to one of 26 Schengen States will have to apply via an official website/app prior to the operational launch of ETAS, handing over €7 for their troubles.
Following the completion of an online application form, the system will in-turn conduct checks against EU systematic information for borders and security. In most cases, a travel authorisation will be issued in minutes, but more investigative occurrences, where further checks on traveling parties are necessary, clearance could take up to 30 days.
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The Liverpool Echo reports that the ETIAS travel authorisation will be a mandatory pre-condition for entry to the Schengen States. It will be checked in alignment with travel documents by border guards when crossing over into the EU.
According to the European Commission, this verification will facilitate border checks, avoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers, ensure a coordinated and harmonised risk assessment of third-country nationals, and substantially reduce the number of straight up refusals of entry at borders.
The 26 countries of the Schengen area are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
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