The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have travel authorisation to enter most European countries. The ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the 30 European countries listed below. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. travel to the eu

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

The European Parliament passed the ETIAS Regulation on 5 July 2018. The adoption was formally confirmed by the Council of the EU on 5 September and officially signed by the two co-legislators on 12 September. It entered into force on 9 October 2018. The ETIAS legal framework is still in the course of completion with the European Commission’s Implementing and Delegated Acts. ETIAS is due to become operational in 2024.

Does the new EU visa waiver apply? travel to the eu

The new security measure affects people who do not live permanently in an EU country or don’t need a visa to stay in one.

Tourists, second-home owners, temporary workers or those visiting family or friends in the 26 Schengen zone countries should therefore take note.

The new ETIAS programme is being likened to the Australian ETA and the US ESTA visa waivers, both used for short-term stays.

The rules for those who require a Schengen visa – including the majority of citizens in Africa, Asia and South America – will remain the same.

How many travellers will be affected by ETIAS?

Currently, nationals of around 60 countries worldwide do not need a visa to enter the EU. A detailed list is available here.

There are approximately 1,885 official external border crossing points into the EU. These were estimated to have processed around 565 million external border crossings in 2014, a figure that is forecast to rise to 887 million by 2025. EU citizens will make up two-thirds of these border crossings, and of those non-EU citizens crossing the EU border, it is estimated that approximately one third will come from visa-exempt countries.

How and when will this change travel for non-EU citizens?

The European Commission says this will have “minimal effect” on people travelling to Europe.

Eligible travellers will have to fill out an online application before they arrive, which costs €7 or is free to under-18s or over-70s.

It should take only a matter of minutes to fill out the form – which will require biometric passport information and travel details, as well as some basic security questions. But travellers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before they need it just in case of any delays.

Once your application has been approved it lasts for three years – which is good news for frequent travellers, although it must then be renewed. travel to the eu

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation