British travellers to continental Europe next summer will have to apply for a €7 visa waiver, officials in Brussels have reportedly confirmed.
EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson has indicated that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is on course to be introduced next spring.
Passengers visiting the bloc will be required to apply for a waiver – similar to the US Esta – before travel. It will be valid for three years or until the expiry of an existing passport, whichever is first.
More: Comment: What does the EU Entry/Exit System mean for travellers?
Introduction of EU Etias scheme delayed until mid-2025
Johansson was speaking before the delayed launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which she confirmed was now targeted to come into force on November 10.
The two new schemes are designed to make the bloc’s border more secure in the face of terrorist threats, but create more bureaucracy.
She said: “With the Entry/Exit System we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area, with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long. Countering irregular migration.
“And the Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, terrorists or Russian spies to use fake passports. Thanks to biometric identification: photos and fingerprints. It will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU, making travel easier, and border checks gradually faster.”
“And then the next step comes quick – Etias. Live in 2025 – travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for people from 60 visa free countries.”
Although not yet confirmed, it may mean that Britons could be required to have authorisation to visit the EU in place before the May school half-term next year and will require it by the summer.
Passengers will apply online or via a mobile app and be checked against EU information systems for borders and security.
Most applications will be approved within minutes, although it could take up to 72 hours. The most complex applicants should leave 30 days. It will cost €7 for travellers aged 18 to 70, The Times reported. It will be free for people younger or older than those ages.
Johansson pointed out that more than 700 million tourists travelled to Europe last year.