Brits travelling to Europe will have to pay around £7 later this year as the European Commission launches its visa waiver scheme. Under the digital system visitors to the Schengen area will need to apply for authorisation prior to travel.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be mandatory for non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area. The system is designed to increase security of EU countries, monitor visitors and reduce delays for travellers.
Under the ETIAS scheme Brits will need to apply for the digital visa waiver before they enter the EU. It will be required for all EU-member countries, including popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France and Portugal.
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According to the European Commision the ETIAS system will be rolled out in November. Travellers will need to complete an application form either by the official website or the app and it will include basic personal information and passport details.
The form will cost seven euros (approximately £6.20) to complete for all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70 and in most cases authorisation will be issued “within minutes”. It could take longer if additional checks are needed.
The ETIAS will be linked to your passport and border force staff will be able to see the authorisation and it will last for three years or until your travel document expires. After obtaining the ETIAS UK travellers will be able to stay in the EU for up to 90 days in each 180 day period.
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