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Brits travelling to Europe will soon have to fork out an extra £6 in advance after a new visa waiver charge is introduced
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The European travel information and authorisation system, known as ETIAS, is set to be introduced in May next year
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It requires passengers apply for a waiver before visiting the European Union and wider Schengen area
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This follows the launch of the EU's entry exit system, a biometric facial or fingerprint test for every UK traveller
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to track when and where travellers are entering from. Its purpose is to make sure travellers from over 60 countries, including here in the UK
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haven't stayed over the allowed 90 days over a six-month period. So what actually is the ETIAS and who needs to apply
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Well, both the EES and the new waiver charge are designed to increase security against terror threats on the border
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similar to the US-Ester. If you're between 18 and 30 years old and from one of these orange countries, including the UK, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand
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you have to pay the seven euro charge which will last for three years or until your passport expires If you get a new passport you will need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization The scheme is intended to cover short stays and is free for those who fall outside the age
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bracket. The EU says most applications will be processed within minutes, that there is a possibility
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of delays of up to four days. That period can also be extended by up to two weeks if additional
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information or documentation is required, or 30 days if you're invited to an interview. So, when will
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this kick in, the EES, the new tech, ensuring travellers don't overstay, will be introduced
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from 10th of November, while the ETIAS will be introduced six months later in May 2025. And there
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will be a transition period for a further six months in which the ETIAS will remain optional
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for travellers, which means travellers should already apply for their travel authorisation
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But those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all remaining entry
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conditions. You will have to have filled out an ETIAS form and paid the waiver by November
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next year though if you're planning a trip to Europe. Applications will take place on the ETIS
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section of the EU website and there are plans for an app to be introduced shortly after
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Here at Citi-A-M, we'd like to know how will the new visa waiver rules impact your holidays
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next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments
