UK holidaymakers face extra charge when travelling to Europe next year

UK holidaymakers will have to pay a fee when they enter Europe on their travels next year, as post-Brexit rules come into force.

From next year, Brits will need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to visit popular holiday destinations, including Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

The system will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travellers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.

Brits will have to complete an application form and pay a fee of seven euros – which works out at around six pounds. 

So far, 30 European countries have been confirmed as requiring ETIAS travel authorisation next year.

Although the EU has not confirmed an exact date for when the ETIAS comes into force, guidance does say it will be ‘operational in 2024’ – pushed back from the original 2020.

The ETIAS travel authorisation is then valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Travellers will be able to travel to and from the countries whenever they wish, providing the overall limit of the authorised stay is complied with.

According to EU guidance, most applications will be processed within minutes, but could take  up to 96 hours. 

However, some applications may take longer if additional documents are required, and travellers are advised to not purchase any tickets or book accommodation until they have the ETIAS.

It’s best to apply for one as soon as you start planning your holiday (although applications aren’t open just yet).

To apply for the ETIAS you’ll need to provide your personal details, as well as travel document information and details of any past criminal convictions.

 You will also need to state the first country you intend to visit. However, once you’ve received the ETIAS you’ll be able to visit any of the 30 countries it covers, whenever you like.

The 30 European countries where visa-exempt travellers require an ETIAS travel authorisation are:

• 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

The exact date of when ETIAS will come into force is yet to be announced. Visit the ETIAS website for more information by clicking HERE.