UK holidaymakers must start paying a €7 visa waiver if they travel to a European Union (EU) country starting next summer. Ylva Johansson, the EU home affairs commissioner, said that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was on course to launch in spring. People must apply for a waiver, similar to the US ESTA, before travel, and this will be valid for three years or until their passport expires, whichever is first.
On the European Union website , it states: "The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
" This scheme will cover travel to the Schengen Area, which includes every EU state except for Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, BBC News reports . Passengers will apply online or via a mobile app and be checked against EU information systems for borders and security, The Times reports . It will cost €7 (about £6) for travellers aged 18 to 70, but be free for anyone aged younger or older than that.
Most applications will be approved within minutes, although it can take up to 72 hours. A Home Office spokesperson said it expects the EU to provide more information on the rollout of the scheme "in due course". Previous rules related to EU travel meant anyone from a non-EU country currently had to apply for a.