Introduction of the EU’s proposed electronic visa scheme ETIAS has been pushed back until at least November 2023.
Previously ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System – had been scheduled to launch by the end of this year, but that was delayed until May 2023. Without giving a reason, the European Commission has announced a further hold-up.
Because of Brexit UK travellers are now deemed to come from a ‘third country’, meaning they will be subject to the new visa rules. ETIAS will operate much like the US visa-waiver ESTA and Canada’s eTA, with travellers having to upload information online about their health, education and any criminal convictions before paying a fee. There is no requirement to go to a consulate or provide any biometric data.
The EU has already said ETIAS will cost €7 (£6) for a three-year permit. By comparison, the US ESTA costs $21 (£17).
While some UK politicians have criticised the EU proposals, it is believed ETIAS could actual speed border crossings from the UK into Europe and relieve the delays currently being experienced at airports and posts such as Dover. With an ETIAS, travellers will not have to undergo checks and so should be waived through.
The UK is working on a similar scheme for foreign visitors to these shores called the Electronic Travel Authorisation. When introduced it is expected to process nearly 30 million applications each year.
