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