August 22nd 2024.
Before embarking on a trip, it's always important to make sure you have all your necessary paperwork in order. And after a relaxing summer holiday, what's the first thing you do? Start planning your next adventure, of course! For British travelers, however, the process of heading to Europe next year will be a bit different due to the implementation of a new visa scheme known as ETIAS.
Currently, visitors from the UK can enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel within the EU's Schengen area every 180 days. But with the new ETIAS scheme, anyone traveling to popular tourist destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Greece will need to apply for a visa waiver and pay a €7 fee. So, before you jet off to your dream European destination, here's what you need to know about ETIAS.
ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is similar to the ESTA required for UK passport holders visiting the US. This waiver will be launched in spring and can be applied for online or through an app. Most applications will be approved within a few minutes, but it's recommended to give yourself up to three days, especially for more complex cases.
The cost for ETIAS is confirmed to be €7, which is significantly cheaper than the US ESTA fee of $14. This fee applies to travelers between the ages of 18 and 70, but children and those over 70 will be exempt. Don't let visa issues ruin your European getaway, so make sure to plan ahead and apply for ETIAS before your trip.
As of now, the ETIAS launch date is set for spring 2025, according to Ylva Johansson, the EU home affairs commissioner. It will be introduced alongside the EU's new Entry/Exit System, which will be implemented on November 10. The ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. So, if you're planning a trip during the May half-term, you may need to apply for ETIAS.
The introduction of ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System aims to make the EU's borders more secure. With the combination of these systems, the EU will have a better understanding of who enters the Schengen Area, how long they stay, and be able to counter irregular migration. Biometric identification, including fingerprints and photos, will also make it harder for criminals, terrorists, or spies to use fake passports. It will also simplify the process of border checks, making travel easier and faster for all passengers.
However, some critics have expressed concerns about the potential inconvenience and delays that may arise from the implementation of these systems. With longer queues and an estimated two-minute increase in processing time per passenger, border force officials and travelers may face some challenges. But the EU is confident that the benefits of increased security and smoother border checks outweigh the drawbacks.
Do you have a travel story to share? We'd love to hear it! Get in touch by emailing us at [insert email address]. Don't let visa issues stop you from exploring the beauty of Europe, plan ahead and make sure to have all your necessary paperwork in order before your trip. Happy travels!
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