Thursday, August 22, 2024 Prepare to adjust your travel budget for Europe! Starting mid-2025, non-EU citizens aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay a €7 fee (approximately USD$9.00 or S$12.00) to obtain a travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver.
This new requirement will apply to travelers visiting or transiting through EU countries such as France, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. The European Travel Information and Authorization System visa waiver is not a visa, but a travel authorization system designed to enhance security and streamline entry processes into the EU for non-EU citizens staying for up to 90 days. Visitors from 60 countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, will need to apply for ETIAS at least 96 hours before their trip.
While applying for European Travel Information and Authorization System might initially seem complex, the process is quite straightforward. Applicants need to pay the €7 fee, and once approved, the waiver is valid for three years or until the passport expires. This authorization allows travelers to stay in Europe for up to 90 days, whether for leisure, business, or study.
However, those planning to stay longer than 90 days will need to apply for a traditional visa. The European Travel Information and Authorization System system was developed to bolster security across the EU by tightening the vetting process for non-EU travelers. The introduction of this system is especially significant for UK citizens, given Brexit, and other non-EU passport holders planning to visit Europe.
Initially announced in 2016, ETIAS was set to launch in November 2023, but its implementation was delayed. It is now officially scheduled to be introduced in the summer of 2025. This delay provides travelers ample time to plan and adapt to the new requirements.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe before mid-2025, you can still enjoy toll-free travel without the need for European Travel Information and Authorization System or any related fees. However, for those planning trips post-2025, it’s advisable to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System well in advance to avoid any travel disruptions. The introduction of European Travel Information and Authorization System will soon become a routine part of travel for non-EU citizens visiting Europe.
While it does add a small fee to your travel expenses, the process is straightforward, and the waiver remains valid for three years. To ensure a smooth journey, plan ahead, stay informed, and prepare for this new requirement..
