ETIAS stands for: European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
From mid 2025, the European Commission plans to launch a US style electronic travel authorisation system (ETIAS). It was first announced in 2016 by the European Commission. Although negotiations are ongoing, it’s important to note that an ETIAS is not a visa. It’s a visa-waiver.
The ETIAS will be like the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). However, the ETIAS will be the EU’s, travel authorisation. Each traveller who doesn’t need a visa can explore Europe – for up to 90 days within a 180-day period at their leisure.
It will be for travellers arriving to EU countries and Schengen Area countries from another country – that isn’t part of the European Union.
What’s the difference between an EU country and a Schengen Area country?
An EU country is one of 27 European countries/states that cover the majority of Europe. Together, they form the European Union.
The Schengen Area (from Estonia in the east and Portugal in the west) is border free. It covers 1,664,911 square miles and 27 European countries who allow passport-free movement of people. These countries also have a common visa policy, where you can stay in one of the states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Overall, the ETIAS will be a requirement for UK passport holders who wish to travel from the UK to parts of Europe (all European countries and the Schengen Area).
Which UK passport holders must apply for an ETIAS?
Anyone of any age needs to apply for an ETIAS. This includes British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC), British Overseas Citizens (BOC), British Protected Persons (BPP) or British Subjects (BS).
Also, any individual with a criminal record must apply too.
An ETIAS for British Citizens
Although most British Citizens aren’t a threat to EU security, the EU is introducing an ETIAS to strengthen the border security of the Schengen area. The ETIAS system will collect, check data and security credentials of each visitor. This will occur before their visit whether they’re visiting for business, pleasure, or transit purposes.
Alongside digitally screening and tracking each visitor who arrives/ departs from each EU country – when travelling by car, coach, ferry, or airplane.
Overall, the ETIAS will form a central pool of data of all non-Europeans visiting the Schengen area. Also, there will be a fee required to obtain one.
How much will an ETIAS cost?
An ETIAS costs nothing to people under 18 and over 70. On the other hand, the price of an ETIAS for everyone else will be €7 each. Either way, all travellers will require one.
However, each ETIAS will work for three years from the date issued to you – or until the date your passport expires. Therefore, it may be wise to check the expiry date on your passport before going through the application process.
How to apply for an ETIAS
Visit the ETIAS official website . Your application should then be approved within minutes of submitting the online form.
Your data will be checked, by the following:
- The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)
- Visa Information System (VIS)
- EUROPOL Data Protections and Transparency
- Stolen and Lost Travel Documents
- EU’s asylum fingerprint database (EURODAC)
- The European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS)
Plus, the ETIAS screening rules and ETIAS watchlist.
Although the ETIAS won’t go live until mid 2025 apply for yours before arriving in your chosen EU country. If more checks are needed, the process will take 96 hours. So, don’t leave applying for one until the night before your trip – just in case!
Can you apply now?
UK citizens can apply for an ETIAS in 2025. Submit your name and email on the ETIAS website to receive the exact launch date.
However, there may be a short hiatus between three-six months when an ETIAS might not even be mandatory for EU travel. This will allow for any system issues to be refigured. Plus, a lesser impact upon travellers during the EITAS’s initial roll-out stage.
Travelling to Europe in 2025?
If you’re in the process of planning a European holiday for next year don’t forget to add an ETIAS to your kit list.
When your application is approved, you’ll have the freedom to plan a cultural trip, city break, beach holiday across 27 EU countries!
To learn more about the EU’s visa-waiver visit the Schengen Visa Info Website.
To travel, with confidence add Free Spirit Travel Insurance to your kit list. Free Spirit provides cover for anyone of any age living with a medical condition and/or disability. Plus, their travelling companions!
So, get ready for your trip to Europe and travel, with confidence.
