FROM mid-2025, millions of Brits will need an extra document before they can set foot in the Schengen Area.
While most holidaymakers from the UK will need to apply for the brand-new visa waiver, there are some who are exempt.
The new system, called the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is being introduced as part of enhanced security measures for travellers.
While most Brits will need to apply for a new ETIAS visa, there are some exemptions, including children under the age of 18.
A statement on the Commons Library reads: “The ETIAS authorisation will last for three years (after which it will need to be renewed for future visits), or until the holder’s passport expires (whichever is sooner).
“It will cost €7 for people aged 18 to 70. However, it will be free for under-18s and over-70s.”
All travellers aged between 18 and 70 will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver from mid-2025, which will cost €7 (£6.10), meaning children and retirees older than 70 won’t need to fork out for the new visa.
It means that for a family of six, including two adults, two children and two retirees who are older than 70, only the two adults will need to pay, keeping holiday costs down for families.
Holidaymakers who are travelling to Ireland or Cyprus will not need an ETIAS via either, as they are both outside the Schengen Area.
Irish nationals, or anyone travelling on an Irish passport, also won’t need an ETIAS visa.
There are other exemptions too, including any UK nationals, and their families, who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Instead, these families will need to hold documents proving their status.
There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area:
Holidaymakers travelling on a full visa to a country in the Schengen Area also won’t need an ETIAS visa.
The application for ETIAS will only be available online – no postal applications will be accepted.
Applicants will need to submit personal information, including passport details, their home address, and even details about their parents and past travels.
But that’s not the end of the hassle. Even after paying and getting your ETIAS, it doesn’t guarantee you entry into the EU.
You’ll still have to go through border checks and prove you meet the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting.
Travel Republic’s head of product, Gemma Brown, has warned that the new ETIAS system will require Brits to be more prepared than ever before.
Gemma said: “It’s important to apply and obtain permission before booking your trip.”
She stressed that while most applications will be processed within a few minutes to 96 hours, some could take up to 30 days if further information is needed.
The new rules are set to kick in by mid-2025, with a six-month grace period for those who haven’t yet applied for ETIAS.
After that, there’ll be no exceptions – if you don’t have your ETIAS sorted, you won’t be going anywhere.
When applying for the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter the Schengen Area, you’ll need to provide the following details:
Here’s everything else you need to know about ETIAS.
Also new for Brits will be the Entry/Exit System (EES) which will start on November 10 this year.
