ETIAS – What we need to know

ETIAS – This year the E-visa will come into effect. What will this mean for us when we are going on holiday?

The ETIAS visa is not actually a via but a travel authorisation required for Visa-exempt travellers visiting the Shengen Area.

Now that the UK has left the EU, when we visit most EU Countries there are going to be new restrictions when entering and exiting.

No more passport stamping.

The exact dates for the Entry-exit system have been pushed back and the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

The entry-exit system will mean all non-EU citizens, including British travellers will have to provide biometric data whenever they enter any of the 29 European Countries. Finger print and Facial Scanning for everyone aged 12 and above.

The Etias System – European travel information and authorisation scheme was due to be introduced in November 2023 but has been delayed until later this year. When it does mean for us when it finally launches – UK Passport Holders will need a visa-waiver to visit any countries in Europe’s passport-free zone, the Schengen area.

You are not able to currently apply/register for a Etias travel authorisation. There are however some non-official websites that are advertising information about Etias, please don’t get fooled into using them, they are advertising completing all the paperwork etc for you.

As yet there is no confirmed date for Etias to be launched.

All travellers aged between 18-70 will have to apply for an Etias, the expected cost will be approx. £6. Children will be granted a free waiver.

How long will the Waiver be valid for:

3 years or until your passport expires, whichever is soonest. British passport holders can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. Longer stays will need a visa.

What is the difference between an Etias travel authorisation and a visa?

An Etias is not officially a visa. The purpose is to allow the EU to keep track of visa-exempt visitors from third countries, which includes UK passport-holders since Brexit.

You do not need to go to an Embassy to make your application, no biometric data will be collected.

Which countries will I need an Etias authorisation to travel to?

All Shengen Zone States and Shengen microstates – Andorra & Monaco.

Romania, Bulgaria & Cyprus are additional countries that you would be required to have a Etias Visa-Waiver.

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If you would like any further information, please head to ETIAS News & Information For Visitors Coming To Europe or ETIAS – European Union