New Rules for Brits Travelling to Europe Next Year
The rules for travel to Europe are changing. From next year onwards, any Brits thinking of a European holiday will need a new travel permit to enter certain European countries.
From 2024, British tourists heading to 30 European countries, including popular spots such as Spain, France, Greece, and Cyprus, will need to acquire a European Union travel permit. This is a part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The ETIAS Scheme: What You Need to Know
- The ETIAS system connects the travel permit directly to the traveller’s passport. According to the EU’s official site, it will be ‘valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.’
- The European Union recommends that this authorisation be secured even before arranging any travel: ‘We strongly suggest you secure the ETIAS travel authorisation prior to purchasing your tickets and reserving your hotels.’
- The site states: ‘Most applications are processed within minutes.’ However, they further note: ‘Your application might take longer to process. If so, a decision will be reached within four days. Please be aware that this period might extend by up to 14 days if additional information or documentation is required, or up to 30 days if an interview is scheduled.’
- Therefore, it’s wise for anyone considering travelling to Europe to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation well ahead of their trip.
Application Process and Key Guidelines
To acquire this permit, an application form must be filled out. This can also be done by an authorised person, such as a family member or travel agent. An application fee of €7 is necessary.
Ensure your travel documents, like your passport, are up to date and have ample validity left: ‘We recommend not travelling with a document nearing its expiration.’
Your ETIAS Checklist
- Apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before purchasing your ticket or reserving your stay.
- Ensure your passport details match those on your ETIAS authorisation – discrepancies will result in being denied boarding and entry.
- Ensure your ETIAS travel authorisation remains valid.
- Ascertain the duration of your stay in the European countries that require ETIAS.
- Ensure your passport is valid for three months post your intended departure date from the European countries needing ETIAS – failing to do so will lead to refusal at the border.
Non-compliance could lead to denied entry, so it’s prudent to organise all essential paperwork well ahead of your trip.
