The new rules require travelers to fill out an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions and pay a fee of seven euros.
From 2025, travelers, including post-Brexit British tourists, will face new rules when visiting Europe. Flora, British and mother of two young children, is one of those affected for the changes.
“Traveling with children is already a challenge, and now we have to deal with additional paperworkFlora said. She and her partner, Alexander, who is currently on vacation in the United Kingdom, are frustrated by the new requirements, which are making travel plans difficult.
“I was a strong supporter of remaining in the EU, so it’s another slightly disappointing obstacle that we all have to face to feel that we can freely be part of Europe. But it’s the reality after Brexit in 2016, I guess.”
What is the ETIAS and who will have to comply with it?
He European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new system that travelers from countries outside the European Union will have to navigate. This requirement is part of the EU’s efforts to increase security at its borders.
ETIAS requires that travelers fill out an online applicationprovide personal data, answer security questions and pay a fee of seven euros. This authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
With the new ETIAS regulations, travelers from non-EU countries They will have to request it before visiting the Schengen areawhich includes most EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Most travelers from outside the EU will have to comply with the ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. Minors under 18 years of age and adults over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, although they will have to request authorization.
Additionally, there will be a grace period of at least six months when the ETIAS is first entered. This will give travelers time to adapt to the new system, but it is recommended to apply early to avoid problems on the trip.
How will the ETIAS affect British travelers?
Independent travel expert Rob Staines explained the impact of this change for British tourists, saying it is a reality of post-Brexit travel. “We were asked to be considered a third country when we left the European Union and This is additional bureaucracy. and additional layers of complexity when it comes to travel,” he said.
“But I think if you look at the bigger picture, it’s completely acceptable and understandable.” that the EU wants to strengthen its borders. But, unfortunately, that comes at a price,” he added. Despite these new measures, Staines believes they will not deter British travelers from visit Europe.
“More than 17 million Brits visited Spain last year. It is our number one holiday destination. I don’t believe this small price to pay and this extra layer of bureaucracy are going to discourage people from traveling. If anything, it may make people want to travel to the EU more, because it makes it a safer place. “It ensures that people do not overstay their welcome and is a way for the EU to protect its borders,” Staines said.
“Which the UK Labor Government is doing right now is trying to repair those broken relationships we have and create a better situation after Brexit,” he added.
“It’s one of those situations that we just have to keep an eye on, but actually, yeah, it will make travel difficult. “It’s also going to make travel slightly more expensive for us, but we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”
