It's finally here: the end of fee-free travel to the European Union.
The EU has announced the launch of its long-awaited visa waiver scheme, ETIAS, in May 2023.
While ETIAS is not the same as a visa, it is quicker, done online, and requires no biometric information - there is still a procedure and a cost to acquire it, rather like the United States' scheme, ESTA.
ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, had previously been scheduled for a late 2022 debut.
EU travelers are exempt, and have freedom of movement around the bloc, allowing them to spend as much time as they want in many countries. EU residents will also be exempt.
For everyone else entering the bloc from a country that didn't require a visa, the ETIAS will be obligatory. The move affects around 60 countries, including the UK and the US, which lost freedom of movement after leaving the EU. The application process will be largely automated, with approval granted within minutes for an estimated 95% of applicants, according to a memo issued by the EU. The maximum amount of time needed for approval could be up to a month in very exceptional cases. Anyone whose application has been denied will have the right to appeal.
ETIAS authorization is valid for an unlimited number of entries over three years. The holders must abide by the immigration and overstay rules. Third-party nationals can't stay more than 90 days in the bloc in its entirety, for every 180 day period.
The cost was €7.35 for those aged between 18 and 70. It is not yet clear if others will be able to apply for free or reduced rates. The US charges $21 for an ESTA authorization.
There isn't yet a start date for applications.