UK holidaymakers may soon need to apply for an ETIAS travel permit if they want to visit countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
The new travel requirements for Europe are expected to be introduced in 2024 and will allow some non-EU travellers (such as those from the UK) to enjoy short stays in Europe visa-free.
The new programme is called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and is a new travel requirement introduced following Brexit.
When you have the ETIAS card, it will unlock access to 30 European countries.
What is the new ETIAS EU travel permit?
The ETIAS is not an official EU visa for UK applicants. Instead, it’s “a pre-travel authorisation system”, similar to the US ESTA and Canadian eTA.
These types of processes typically perform some basic checks before authorising you to enter the country without a visa.
The ETIAS will cost €7/£6 for people over 18 to 70, while those outside of this age bracket can get the ETIAS free of charge.
The ETIAS is valid for three years and allows people with the permit to travel to a number of countries across Europe and it’s also multiple-entry.
There is also the Schengen Visa, a short-stay visa that will allow a person to travel to any member of the Schengen Area. This visa will be eligible for a holiday stay of up to 90 days for either leisure or business purposes. However, British citizens are not required to have a Schengen Visa, and instead can use the ETIAS.
What is the ETIAS start date?
The new ETIAS system is expected to be implemented in 2024.
Travellers do not need the ETIAS if they wish to travel to Europe in 2023.
Do I need to apply for an ETIAS to visit Europe?
The EU has shared a list on its website of the nationalities that will need to apply for the ETIAS from next year.
People from the UK will be required to hold a valid ETIAS visa when the programme comes into play.
However, there are some exemptions for students who are on a school trip or members of the armed forces travelling for Nato purposes. A list of exempt travellers can be found here.
How to apply for the ETIAS
You cannot apply for the ETIAS until the system goes live next year.
The entire ETIAS application process is done online, which means there is no need to visit an embassy or book any in-person appointments.
Instead, when the system is live, travellers will need to register with the ETIAS site to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Area without a visa. This rule will come into effect in 2024.
UK visitors to EUare advised not to apply less than three days before their journey to the Schengen Area.
The steps for applying for an ETIAS are:
- Complete the ETIAS registration form using a device connected to the internet
- Provide the required items, including a valid passport and an email address
- Use a debit or credit card to cover the ETIAS processing fee
The application process for ETIAS is expected to take just a few minutes, and no supporting documentation is needed apart from a valid passport issued by an eligible country. However, you will be asked for the first destination you plan to enter in Europe.
Why is there a new travel permit for Europe?
The EU has spoken on safety issues being a reason for the introduction of the permits.
“Recent security concerns with terrorism and the migrant crisis have called for better management of who is entering EU borders. The EU has continuously declared its goal of making travelling within its borders a more secure experience.
“To reduce procedures and wait times and address security concerns, the European Commission (EC) has come up with a solution — ETIAS. The ETIAS will undergo a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether they can be allowed to enter any Schengen Zone country.
“While citizens of countries who do not need a visa for travel purposes of up to 90 days in the EU do not need to go through a long process of applying for the visa, the ETIAS will make sure that these people are not a security threat.”
The permits are set to come into force in 2024.
How will the ETIAS pass impact travel plans?
If you want to travel right now, there are no restrictions, as you do not currently need an ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) claims that once the ETIAS starts operating, there will be a very low share of applicants who will be rejected. Travellers whose ETIAS application has been refused, however, have the right to appeal the decision.
You do not need to print the ETIAS when you are travelling to Europe. Instead border agencies will be able to access your information through existing passport systems.
For further information, visit the ETIAS site.
