New EU Visa Waiver Scheme

Arab Weather - The European Union intends to activate a new visa exemption system for travelers from outside the Union, including British citizens, at a cost of 7 euros ($7.7) , by the summer of 2025.

New system details

Under the new rules, travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK, will have to apply for an exemption similar to the US ESTA system before traveling to 30 countries in Europe . The exemption will cover travel to the Schengen Area, which includes all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How does the exemption system work?

The new system will be called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Currently, UK travellers can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days every 180 days without a visa. This also applies to citizens of more than 60 non-EU countries, such as the US, Japan and Australia. With the implementation of the ETIAS scheme, these travellers will need to obtain a travel exemption in advance.

• Cost of obtaining ETIAS

The fee for the waiver will be €7 ($7.70) for most applicants, which is “significantly cheaper” than the US ESTA system’s $14 fee. The fee will apply to people between the ages of 18 and 70, while the waiver will be free for children and seniors over 70.

• Application start date

The EU has not yet set a precise date for when the exemption scheme will come into effect, but has said it will start in the “first half of 2025.” The UK government is expected to provide more information on the scheme’s implementation soon.

Steps to obtain an exemption

Travellers will need to apply online or via a mobile app. The process of filling out the form, which is a simple procedural step, takes about 10 minutes . The application will include passport information as well as inquiries about criminal background and health status. More than 95% of applications are expected to be approved automatically within minutes, while some applications may take 72 hours or up to four weeks in exceptional cases.

• Reason for introducing the system

The European Union aims to impose more border controls in response to the migrant crisis and security concerns. The bloc says the ETIAS system will strengthen security checks on people travelling without a visa to its countries and help assess potential risks.

Entry Exit System (EES)

Alongside ETIAS, a new system called the Entry and Exit System (EES) will go into effect on 10 November, after several delays. The system aims to implement strict digital controls at all points of entry into Europe, helping to monitor how long travellers spend in European countries. Travellers will be required to record their fingerprints, photos and passport details, which could increase waiting times at checkpoints.

See also:

Everything you need to know about Schengen visa 2024

Spring weather in Europe... List of countries that Saudis can travel to easily after being granted a Schengen visa

Sources:

BBC