- Starting in May 2025, UK citizens traveling to the EU will need to pay a €7 visa-waiver fee as part of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias).
- The Etias system will apply to non-EU citizens, including those from visa-exempt countries like the UK, US, Australia, and Canada, who must apply for this travel authorization before entering the Schengen area.
- The visa waiver will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, and the process will require applicants to provide personal details such as address, employment information, and any criminal records.
- Travellers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the charge, and those traveling to non-Schengen countries like Ireland or Cyprus will not need to apply for Etias.
- This comes alongside the EU’s entry and exit system (EES), launching on 10 November 2024, which will require travelers to provide biometric information at the border.
Brussels, August 20 (FFN) – UK citizens planning to visit the European Union next summer will be required to pay a €7 visa-waiver charge following the EU’s announcement of its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), set to be introduced in May 2025. The system mirrors the US Esta and is designed to strengthen border security across the Schengen area.
This new requirement will affect UK citizens and other travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the US, Australia, and Canada, who must apply for the waiver before traveling. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The fee is intended to cover the costs of processing and security checks, ensuring a safer travel environment across EU member states.
The Etias system will coincide with the implementation of the entry and exit system (EES) on 10 November 2024, which mandates that travelers provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, at the border. This is part of the EU’s broader strategy to prevent the use of fake passports by criminals or terrorists.
While the Etias fee will apply to most travelers, those under 18 or over 70 will be exempt. Additionally, individuals traveling to Ireland or Cyprus, which are outside the Schengen zone, will not need to apply for the visa waiver.
Travelers are advised to apply for the visa-waiver well in advance of their travel date to avoid any delays, as the approval process may take up to 72 hours for some applications. The EU has indicated that there will be a six-month transitional period after Etias is launched, during which travelers may still enter the EU if they meet other entry conditions, even without the waiver.
This new measure reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance border security while facilitating smooth travel within the Schengen area.
Overview of the New EU Travel Requirements for UK Citizens
| Requirement | Details | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| Etias Visa-Waiver Fee | €7 | Travelers under 18 and over 70 |
| Etias Validity | 3 years or until passport expires | |
| Applicable Area | Schengen Area (27 EU states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) | Ireland and Cyprus are exempt |
| Entry and Exit System (EES) | Launches on 10 November 2024 | Travelers need to provide biometric data |
| Etias Launch Date | May 2025 | 6-month transitional period post-launch |
