From sometime next year, 2025, UK passport holders will require an ETIAS to enter most European countries
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an acronym for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It was created in September 2018 and is designed to improve the security of EU member states within the Schengen area. It captures data on travellers that visit the 26 countries within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa.
It’s important to note that ETIAS is not a visa, it’s a visa waiver, similar to an ESTA required for entering the USA.
Do British passport holders need an ETIAS to travel to Europe from the UK?
Currently, British citizens do not need a visa to enter EU countries and the ETIAS is not yet operational. The EU has announced that the ETIAS start date will be sometime in mid-2025, although the launch date has yet to be announced.
For the first six months, the visa waiver will not be strictly enforced. Applications will be open and travellers who complete this process will likely get through customs more quickly once they land.
However, in this grace period, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria will still be allowed to enter the Schengen Zone. As official dates haven’t been given yet, it’s thought that the hard line where people will be rejected for this will be sometime around the start of 2026.
Once the date i
s confirmed, UK travellers will need approval in order to enter any country in the Schengen Area, and three others.
These countries are (in alphabetical order): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia and Switzerland.
How do you apply?
British citizens can apply for their ETIAS online and expect a response within minutes. You must apply for it at least 96 hours before boarding transport to your destination (whether by land, air or sea).
To apply, you will need a valid passport with at least three months left before expiry. You’ll also need to provide some personal details as well as information about the countries you’re intending to visit.
The ETIAS is valid for three years and covers all countries in the Schengen Area plus Cyprus, Iceland and Romania.
If you’re a dual citizen that holds a UK passport and an EU passport, you won’t need an ETIAS assuming you use your EU passport to enter and exit your Schengen destination.
Applicants with a criminal record will be able to apply.
How much is an ETIAS?
An ETIAS costs €7, unless you are under 18 or over 70 years of age, in which case it’s free. Those travellers will still need to obtain an ETIAS to travel, however.
How long can you travel in the EU on ETIAS?
While the ETIAS is valid for three years, the same rules for travelling to the EU remain in place. British citizens travelling as tourists can stay in an EU country for no longer than 90 days in every 180.
Note that you will need to apply for a specific type of visa if you want to work or study in the EU.
Do you need to apply for each country?
No, your ETIAS will be valid in all the countries outlined above. You only need to purchase one document for your trip.
However, on application, you will need to confirm which country you’ll be entering first.
Do you need travel insurance when travelling to the EU?
Travel insurance when travelling to the EU is not mandatory. However, it is recommended that you have cover. As well as making sure you’ll be compensated for travel issues, loss of belongings and other frequent holiday issues, you’ll have healthcare cover.
Consider applying for the EHIC or GHIC before you depart. This can help you receive discounted healthcare while in the EU.
This information was correct at time of publication on 16 September 2024. Visit etias.com for the latest developments.
© The Spanish Fly
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