British travellers will soon need to pay a €7 EU visa waiver under the new ETIAS scheme, set to launch in mid-2025.
This small procedural step is required for travel to Schengen countries.
New Visa Waiver Requirements
The EU has announced that the forthcoming visa waiver scheme will apply to more than 60 non-EU countries, including the UK. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has stated that this scheme is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025. This could mean that British holidaymakers may need to comply with these new requirements as early as the May half-term holiday in 2025.
Entry/Exit System (EES) Introduction
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will require non-EU travellers to register their fingerprints and a photograph during their initial registration process. This registered data will replace the traditional passport stamps. The EES is set to be operational from 10 November this year. The system aims to enhance border security by implementing stringent digital controls across all entry points into the EU, including airports, harbours, and roads.
ETIAS Similarities with US ESTA
The EU’s ETIAS will function in a manner similar to the US ESTA. Travellers will be required to complete an online application prior to their trip. Once approved, the waiver will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
This new requirement will cover travel to Schengen countries, including most EU states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Further details on the rollout of ETIAS are expected to be announced by the EU in due course.
Enhanced Security Measures
The EES aims to bring stringent digital border controls to all EU entry points, thereby enhancing security across the continent. Commissioner Johansson has highlighted the system’s effectiveness in ensuring stricter monitoring of entries and exits. Last year, more than 700 million tourists visited Europe, and these new systems are designed to bolster security by ensuring closer scrutiny of travellers.
Johansson has stated, “We will know if people stay too long,” illustrating the system’s capability to monitor overstays effectively. She also mentioned that these advanced systems would make it more challenging for individuals using fake passports or engaging in criminal activities to enter the EU.
The EES is expected to add at least two minutes to the current border processing time per passenger, which may result in longer queues. However, the enhanced security measures are deemed necessary to address ongoing concerns over migration and terrorism.
Application Procedure and Costs
British travellers will need to complete the ETIAS application online or via a mobile app. They will be required to provide passport information and answer questions related to their criminal records and medical history. The application process is designed to be quick, with most approvals granted automatically within minutes.
The €7 fee is relatively modest compared to the $14 charged for the US ESTA. This cost applies to travellers aged 18 to 70, with exemptions for children and seniors over 70.
Although the procedural step is small, it signifies a substantial change for UK citizens who have been accustomed to visa-free travel within Europe. This shift reflects the EU’s efforts to enhance border controls and security.
Potential Delays and System Implementation
The much-anticipated launch of the EES has faced multiple delays, but it is now set to go live on 10 November. The system’s comprehensive approach, requiring the submission of biometric data, aims to fortify the EU’s external borders.
Despite potential delays and prolonged processing times at the border, the implementation of EES and ETIAS reflects the EU’s commitment to tightening security measures and improving the monitoring of inbound and outbound travellers.
Exemptions and Special Cases
More complex ETIAS applications could take up to 72 hours to process, and in exceptional situations, up to four weeks. However, most applications will be processed within minutes, ensuring minimal disruption for the majority of travellers.
Special exemptions will be in place for children and seniors over 70. This ensures that the new requirements do not unduly burden the most vulnerable groups of travellers.
Impact on UK Travellers
UK citizens will experience a significant change in their travel to the EU with the introduction of ETIAS and EES. These new requirements mark the end of visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for Britons. The EU has yet to provide comprehensive details on the rollout, but the general consensus is that enhanced border controls are necessary for improved security.
In conclusion, the introduction of the €7 EU visa waiver and the new Entry/Exit System signifies a substantial shift in travel requirements for British citizens. While the procedural step may be minor, the implications for UK travellers are significant as they adapt to these new measures. As the EU aims to enhance border security, British holidaymakers must prepare for these changes by familiarising themselves with the application process and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
