What You Need to Know About the New EU Visa System for 2024/2025

Author: Maheshwari Vickyraj, Content Writer

Are you daydreaming about your next European getaway—perhaps a stroll along the Seine, a beach day in the Algarve, or a gondola ride in Venice. But wait! There's something new on the horizon that you need to know about before you pack your bags and jet off to your favourite EU destination. The EU is rolling out a brand-new visa system, and we've got all the details to keep your travel plans smooth and stress-free. Let’s dive in!

Say Hello to ETIAS: Your New Travel Buddy

What's ETIAS? It stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. And no, it's not a full-blown visa. Think of it more like your golden ticket to the Schengen Area. This handy little authorisation will soon be a must-have for everyone visiting visa-exempt countries, like the UK. It's designed to keep things safe and secure by doing a quick pre-check before you even leave home.

Scheduled to start from 2025, every time you enter or exit one of EU countries, the EES will log your trip. On your first visit, you'll swing by a self-service kiosk at the airport to register. Here’s the fun part: you’ll get to scan your fingerprints and snap a selfie (sort of) for your biometric data. Once that's done, you’re good to go!

Goodbye to those old-school passport stamps—hello to smooth, seamless travel! After your first registration, you can hop between EU countries with just a quick scan at the e-gate or supervised desk. And the best part? You won’t need to re-register for three whole years or until your passport expires.

Do I Need ETIAS?

If you're a UK citizen (or hail from another non-EU country that’s currently visa-exempt), the short answer is yes, you do! Whether you're planning to sip wine in Bordeaux, hike the Alps, or explore the canals of Amsterdam, you'll need to apply for ETIAS before hopping on that plane, train, or automobile. But don’t worry—it’s a straightforward process.

When will ETIAS be introduced?

We expect ETIAS to be operational by mid-2025, so at the moment, you don't need to take any action.

How Do I Get This ETIAS Thing?

Applying for ETIAS is as easy as pie (or should we say, as easy as booking that next holiday?)

Hop Online: You'll fill out a quick form with your personal info, passport details, and travel plans.

Click here to know more.

Security Check: The system will do its thing—running security checks to make sure everything’s good to go.

Get Approved: In most cases, you'll be approved in a matter of minutes. But, just in case, it’s smart to apply a few days before you plan to leave.

And here’s the cherry on top: once you’re approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three whole years (or until your passport expires). That means multiple trips to Europe without the hassle—just pack, fly, and repeat!

How much will it cost to get an ETIAS?

The ETIAS won’t break the bank. It’s expected to cost around €7 for travellers aged 18 to 70. The best part? Kids and seniors are off the hook—no fee for those under 18 or over 70!

Where Can I Go with ETIAS?

ETIAS opens the doors to 27 Schengen Area countries. Whether you’re dreaming of a Greek island adventure, a cultural trip to Spain, or a foodie tour through Italy, your ETIAS covers it all. Here’s a taste of where you can explore:

Austria (Servus, Alps!)
Belgium (Salut, waffles!)
Bulgaria (Zdravei, history!)
Croatia (Bok, Adriatic!)
Czech Republic (Ahoj, Prague!)
Denmark (Hej, hygge!)
Estonia (Tere, forests!)
Finland (Moi, saunas!)
Germany (Hallo, Oktoberfest!)
Greece (Yamas, Santorini!)
Hungary (Szia, thermal baths!)
Iceland (Halló, geysers!)
Italy (Ciao, pasta!)
Latvia (Sveiki, Riga!)
Liechtenstein (Hoi, castles!)
Lithuania (Labas, Vilnius!)
Luxembourg (Moien, fortresses!)
Malta (Bonġu, azure waters!)
Netherlands (Hoi, canals!)
Norway (Hei, fjords!)
Poland (Cześć, pierogi!)
Portugal (Olá, surf!)
Romania (Salut, Dracula!)
Slovakia (Ahoj, mountains!)
Slovenia (Živjo, lakes!)
Spain (Hola, beaches!)
Sweden (Hej, archipelagos!)
Switzerland (Grüezi, chocolate!)

While the EU is still fine-tuning the specifics of the EES, here's what you can expect: On your first trip to any of the listed countries after the EES goes live, you’ll need to stop by a kiosk at the airport to register. This is where your biometric data—like fingerprints and a facial scan—will be collected. After that, every time you cross a border, a simple passport scan will do the trick.

For more details on the EES, check out this link

What If I Forget to Apply?

If you show up to the airport without your ETIAS, you might be stuck in the departure lounge instead of sipping espresso in Rome. So, mark it on your calendar, set a reminder, and make sure your ETIAS is approved before your adventure begins.

Why the Change?

You might be wondering, "Why is the EU introducing this now?" It’s all about boosting security and ensuring a smoother entry process. By screening travellers before they arrive, the EU aims to keep everything safe and sound, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without a hitch.

Your Next Steps

The new EU visa system, or ETIAS, might be a small change, but it’s definitely one you don’t want to overlook. With just a little bit of prep, you can ensure that your future holidays go off without a hitch. So go ahead—start planning, apply for your ETIAS, and get ready for the European adventure of a lifetime. Happy travels!

As the travel landscape keeps shifting, this blog captures everything we know up to this point. But don’t worry—we’re keeping a close eye on things and will keep you in the loop with any updates. So, check back often, because we’ll be refreshing this page as soon as we hear more. All info is spot-on as of 28 August 2024!