Holidaymakers from the UK, as well as other visa-exempt countries like the US, Australia, and Canada, will be required to pay a €7 visa-waiver charge starting in 2025, as part of the European Union’s new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The new charge will apply to travelers aged 18 to 69, while those under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee.
The ETIAS will be introduced six months after the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated border control system designed to replace the current manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers. This new system will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, to create a digital record of each visitor’s entry and exit. The data will be stored for up to three years and shared among Schengen member states for security and immigration purposes.
Although initially scheduled for launch in November 2024, the EES launch has been postponed after EU member states expressed concerns about being unprepared for the new system.
Once the ETIAS is active, UK travelers will need to apply for electronic authorization before entering any of the Schengen Area countries. The €7 application can be completed via the official ETIAS website or mobile app. To apply, travelers will need to provide personal information, including their passport details, address, travel history, and employment or educational background. They will also need to disclose any past criminal convictions or travel to conflict zones.
While the ETIAS does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area, it allows travelers to visit these countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Border authorities will still verify entry conditions upon arrival, ensuring that travelers meet the necessary requirements.
The introduction of the ETIAS aims to enhance border security while streamlining the process for travelers within the EU.
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