British nationals will have to pay a visa waiver fee to enter Europe’s Schengen Area from next year.
The European Commission has confirmed that an online platform – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – will launch before the end of 2022.
ETIAS authorisation will cost €7 for all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70 but will be a one-off fee, valid for three years, and will allow multiple entries into Schengen states.
Travellers will need to fill in an online application form via an official website or app to receive approval.
The European Commission said “a vast majority of cases (expected to be over 95%) will result in automatic approval”.
If further checks are needed, the authorisation may take up to 30 days.
The European Commission said: “This prior verification of visa exempt non-EU citizens will facilitate border checks; avoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers when presenting themselves at the borders; ensure a coordinated and harmonised risk assessment of third-country nationals; and substantially reduce the number of refusals of entry at border crossing points.”
