Starting in 2023, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. ESTA style electronic travel authorisation system – or visa-waiver program – for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU.
From January 2023, most travellers to Europe will be required to complete an online visa waiver, as the EU takes measures to strengthen its border security.
The program, named ETIAS, stands for EU Travel Information and Authorisation System, was approved back in 2016 and will digitally screen and track travellers entering and leaving EU countries.
The visa waiver will need to be obtained before departure to EU member countries and will charge a fee to travellers visiting for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.
The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of countries including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the United States and Canada. It will not be required for travel to the UK.
Once approved, the ETIAS will allow entry and travel within the EU for up to 90 days within a 180 day period and is valid for 3 years.
Right now, travellers arriving in the Schengen Area under visa-free arrangements are not required to undergo any pre-screening, meaning governments are generally unaware of a passenger’s travel plan until they’ve checked in for a flight.
According to the European Union, the new electronic travel authorisation system will “contribute to a high level of security… to the prevention of illegal immigration, and to the protection of public health, by providing an assessment of visitors prior to their arrival at the external border crossing points.”
ETIAS will cost €7 euros for individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. For travellers under the age of 18, or over 70, the visa waiver will be free.
There is no need to apply for the ETIAS now, as this will not come into effect until January 2023, but when it is live, like with the ESTA, travellers are being urged to ensure they are using the official website and not being taken to a third party issuer that will charge a higher fee.
Click here for more information etias.com