The new European visa, ETIAS, for UK travelers will cost nearly three times more than initially expected, a change that may impact holiday plans for those visiting EU countries.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is slated to become a mandatory requirement for UK citizens visiting 30 European countries by the end of 2023. Initially announced at a much lower fee, the hiking of the visa cost has come as a surprise to many British holidaymakers. As a result, travelers will need to budget more for their trips to popular destinations like France, Spain, and Portugal, where they’ll now have to apply for travel authorization prior to their travels.
Apart from the increased cost, the application process entails submitting online forms, with most approvals expected to be granted within minutes. However, those selected for additional checks could face delays of up to 30 days. This requirement emphasizes the need for travelers to ensure they complete their applications well in advance of their holiday plans, so they are not caught delayed or unable to travel due to paperwork issues.
The implications of this new regulation could lead to a reduction in spontaneous travel plans as holidaymakers may need to factor in the extra time and cost associated with obtaining the ETIAS. The change reflects a broader trend towards stricter travel regulations post-Brexit, suggesting that UK citizens may experience an evolving landscape of travel requirements to Europe moving forward.
