UK Tourists to Require €7 ETIAS Visa Waiver

Starting next summer, British holidaymakers will be required to obtain a €7 (£6) visa waiver, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), to travel to 30 European countries. The ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Alongside this, the EU will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) on November 10, which will register non-EU nationals' biometric data upon entry and exit. European Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized that these measures aim to enhance security within the Schengen area amidst rising terrorist threats. Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed quickly, but some may take longer, necessitating travelers to apply ahead of their trips. These new requirements will primarily impact Britons traveling to popular destinations like France, Spain, and Italy.