Brits heading to Europe subsequent yr should pay further value to have the ability to journey

On Aug 20, 2024

Brits heading to Europe will need a new travel document from the start of 2025.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the 30 countries in the region. It will cost €7 for travellers aged 18 to 70. It is free for people younger or older than this.

The ETIAS, linked to your passport, is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. So, if you’re due for a new passport, you’ll also need to apply for a new ETIAS.

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The official EU website advises applying for an ETIAS well ahead of your trip. According to the ETIAS website, the system is set to kick off in the first half of 2025, but watch out for an exact date later this year.

Young woman at the airport in Barcelona checking for the flight schedule — The new rule will come into force at the beginning of 2025
(Image: Getty Images)

There are 30 European countries that will require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation. With a valid ETIAS, travellers can enter these 30 European countries as often as they wish for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

However, it doesn’t guarantee entry, reports the Mirror.

Travellers can apply for an ETIAS via the ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app. Applications carry a €7 fee, but those under 18 and over 70 years old are exempt from the charge.

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable woman handing over her ID book at a boarding gate in an airport — The ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
(Image: Getty Images)

Also exempt are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union. Most applications will be processed within minutes.

Remember, your ETIAS travel authorisation is tied to your travel document. So, ensure you carry the same document you used for your ETIAS application.

If not, you’ll be denied boarding on your flight, bus or ship, and entry into any European countries requiring ETIAS.

Citizens from the following countries and territories will need to secure an ETIAS travel authorisation. These include:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

A senior industry source told The Times: “First there is EES this autumn which will add a huge level of complexity to some journeys. Then six months later comes the Etias. In many ways this is the bigger hurdle as people will have to apply in advance. Turn up without it and, like the US, you won’t be allowed in. It’s going to catch people out, I am sure.”

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