EU to Introduce Visa Waiver for Non-EU Citizens by Summer 2025 | EU Visa Waiver

By the summer of 2025, the EU will waive the €7 visa fee for non-EU nationals, including British citizens. To improve border security and expedite entrance processes, passengers visiting 30 European countries will need to apply online through the ETIAS system.

By mid-2025, the European Union intends to impose a €7 (£6) visa waiver on non-EU nationals, including visitors from the United Kingdom. This new requirement, which is akin to the US ESTA, will apply to travelers from a few non-EU nations who intend to visit thirty European nations.

Overview: ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a forthcoming visa waiver program, will necessitate prior application from citizens of non-EU nations on the approved list, such as the UK.

At the moment, UK nationals are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days during 180 days. Soon, ETIAS clearance will be needed for this privilege. Travel to the Schengen Area—which comprises the majority of EU members as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—will be covered by the ETIAS. Cyprus and Ireland are not included.

Key Details About ETIAS

• Validity: The 90-day-per-180-day norm applies, and the ETIAS license is valid for unlimited entry into the Schengen Area for three years. Three years later, travelers must reapply.
• Connected to Passport: Your passport will be electronically connected to the ETIAS. You will need to apply for a new ETIAS together with your new passport if your current one expires before the ETIAS.
• Application Process: You have two options for completing the ETIAS application: online or using a mobile app. It takes roughly ten minutes to complete and asks for information about your criminal and medical histories as well as passport details.
• Approval: Within minutes, the majority of ETIAS applications will be immediately approved. On the other hand, processing some applications could take up to 72 hours. Approval may take up to four weeks in certain situations.
• Cost: The application price for ETIAS is €7 for anyone between the ages of 18 and 70. Seniors over 70 and children are excluded from the charge, therefore they can apply for free.

When Does ETIAS Start?

According to announcements from the European Union, the ETIAS is expected to launch in the first half of 2025. The precise date has not yet been determined, though. Travelers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, although there will be a grace period following the launch of at least six months during which the waiver need will not be enforced.

Why is the ETIAS being made available?

The EU decided to implement the ETIAS in response to growing security and migration concerns. The system’s goal is to stop terrorism and cross-border crime by strengthening security checks for visitors entering the EU without a visa. The EU claims that the ETIAS will aid in evaluating any dangers that travelers may pose.

Introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES)

On November 10, 2024, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), a second border control system in addition to the ETIAS. When entering the EU, non-EU nationals will have to register their fingerprints, photographs, and passport information using this computerized system. During the three-year validity period, this registration will take the place of the current passport stamping procedure and must be confirmed at each border crossing.

By facilitating the tracking of visitors’ stays and the detection of fraudulent actions, such as the use of forged passports, the Entry/Exit System seeks to enhance security. Longer lines could result from the system’s increased processing delays at borders, though.

Getting Ready for the Shifts

Travelers are advised to plan and be informed as the EU gets ready to implement these new processes. The UK government has stated that further details would be released in the run-up to the launch.