Travellers, including British tourists post-Brexit, will soon face a new hurdle when visiting Europe.
Although a launch date has yet to be announced, it’s likely the ETIAS will become official in the first half of 2025.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will require travellers to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions and pay a €7 fee. This authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
The ETIAS is separate from the new EU Entry/Exit Scheme which will also affect Brits and launches 10th November.
‘Extra paperwork’
Flora, a Brit and mother of two young children, is among those affected by the changes.
“Traveling with kids is already challenging, and now we have to deal with extra paperwork,” Flora said. She and her partner Alexander, currently on a staycation in the UK, are frustrated by the new requirements that add complexity to travel plans.
“I was a staunch proponent of remaining in the EU, so it’s just another slightly disappointing hurdle that we’re all having to face in our ability just to feel like we can be freely part of Europe. But it’s a reality of what happened with the Brexit vote back in 2016, I suppose.”
What is ETIAS, and who will have to comply?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new system that non-EU travellers will have to navigate. It is part of the EU’s efforts to improve border security.
Under the new ETIAS rules, travellers from non-EU countries will have to apply before visiting the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Most travellers from outside the EU will need to comply with ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. The fee will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, although they will still need to apply for authorisation.
Additionally, there will be a grace period of at least six months when ETIAS is first introduced. This will give travellers time to adjust to the new system, but early application is recommended to avoid any travel disruption.
