A major update to the travel system has been made
Two new travel updates affecting UK tourists are set to roll in by the end of this year (stock photo)(Image: Deklofenak/Getty/iStockphoto)
UK tourists to certain countries in Europe could be hit with a £17 charge under a new wave of updates.
The impending fee comes as the EU has made a series of decisions with updates to the ETIAS visa-waiver initiative and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Brits have been warned about the forecast changes early, as the EES is set to commence on October 12 – just before the peak of the half-term holiday for schools.
The EES will ensure the collection of travellers’ biometric data, photographs and fingerprints, in a bid to enhance security at the border.
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It has been reported the amendments have been put in place with the hopes it will deter individuals from overstaying in the country they are staying in, the Express reported.
While these plans are set to go ahead, the EU has acknowledged there will be a “phased implementation” approach to the scheme, until April 9, 2026.
At this point, holidaymakers travelling in Europe should have the necessary data collected at border points.
Another update which is set to kick in later on this year is the ETIAS-waiver initiative, with officials suggesting this will launch between October and December this year.
The ETIAS was previously priced at €7 (around £6), before this year, with the fee more than doubling to a figure of around £17, the Manchester Evening News said.
It applies to those who are classed as “visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries,” with Brits among those nationalities who will need the document.
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Once obtained, this lasts for up to three years, or until your passport expires for trips classed as short-term – up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
There is, however, an exemption clause for those who are under 18 or over 70.
Individuals who are family members of EU citizens and relatives of non-EU nationals, who are allowed to freely move throughout the EU.
The ETIAS scheme has not yet kicked in yet, so you cannot apply for it yet. Once the initiative becomes live, you can apply via: www.europa.eu/etias.
Each traveller who needs an ETIAS will need a separate application, so ensure if you are a parent applying for a child, you are aware they will also need their own.
Full list of countries UK tourists will need an ETIAS for:
- 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