Brits planning to travel to Europe next summer will need to purchase a £6 ‘visa waiver,’ dealing a fresh blow to holidaymakers. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which was initially set to launch last year, will now come into effect in June 2024, Brussels officials confirmed this week.
The ETIAS pass, similar to the U.S.’s ESTA ‘visa-waiver’ program, will cost seven euros (£6) and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires. It will allow Brits aged 18 to 70 to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days.
In conjunction with the ETIAS, the European Union is also rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require non-EU travellers to scan their passports at self-service kiosks when entering and exiting the Schengen Area. Biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, will be taken on the first entry and checked on subsequent visits.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the implementation of these new security measures, stating, “The EES will enter into operation on November 10.” She emphasized that these systems aim to improve security, counter irregular migration, and make it harder for criminals, terrorists, and spies to use fake passports.
The ETIAS waiver will be free for those under 18 and over 70, but for the majority of travellers, it will add another layer of paperwork and cost to their European holidays. Experts have warned that the new procedures, including biometric checks, could increase security processing times by two to three minutes per passenger, raising concerns about potential delays at airports.
Travel experts have warned that the rollout could cause “unbelievable problems,” especially as travellers adjust to the new requirements. He added that during the initial months, it could result in “complete chaos” at immigration desks across Europe.
The new requirements follow other travel-related cost increases, with industry leaders recently warning that flight prices are likely to rise due to environmental regulations, high fuel costs, and global inflation.
As travellers prepare for the new ETIAS and EES systems, airlines may also be required to ensure that passengers have the necessary visa waivers before boarding, similar to how the U.S. ESTA system operates. Holidaymakers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.
