If you’ve travelled abroad since the UK left the European Union, then you’ll already be aware that things have got a little bit more complicated. For example, if you’ve flown to Spain, you’ll have noticed the return of manual passport checks at the border when you arrive, instead of just being able to use the automated e-gates.
But things are about to get more complicated still. Later in 2023, the European Union is introducing its ETIAS visa waiver system for visitors to Schengen Area countries across Europe, and it will apply to all UK nationals. There has been much confusion and ambiguity around what it means and how it will work in practice, so we’ve put together this guide that covers all the basics.
What is ETIAS and how will ETIAS work?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. If you’ve ever travelled to the United States, then it’s likely you’ve had to apply for their ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): ETIAS is the European equivalent and will work in a similar way.
There are more than 60 countries outside the EU, including the UK, where travellers visiting the EU do not require a visa to enter. Travellers from these countries who want to visit the EU will have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver instead, as part of an EU drive to improve security and clamp down on immigration issues.
It’s worth noting that the ETIAS waiver will not be required to enter Ireland, thanks to the Common Travel Area agreement with the UK. However, the ETIAS waiver will be required to enter all other EU countries, as well as non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area.
These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Vatican City.
What does ETIAS mean for my holiday?
At the time of writing, ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in November 2023, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed and this may be subject to change. There is also the possibility that after the implementation date, there may be a ‘grace period’ so that any operational or technical problems can be ironed out. However, we do know many of the practical details around how it will work:
Application
ETIAS waiver applications will be made online through a special web portal that the EU will set up. Within it, applicants will have to submit certain pieces of personal information, including their passport details, the location of their first intended stay, any criminal record information and other relevant data. This information will then be checked against a variety of different databases, immigration regulations and screening rules, through processes that will be largely automated.
It’s hoped that the application process will take no more than ten minutes to complete for one person. In 95% of cases, applicants will receive notification of their approval by email within a matter of minutes.
However, there may be delays in some cases, and so all travellers should complete their applications well in advance of travel. All applications will be processed within four weeks, and applicants will have the right to appeal if their application has been rejected.
Fees
The cost of the ETIAS waiver has been set at €7 per passenger: that’s around £6 at current exchange rates, and considerably cheaper than the $21 (£17) charged for an American ESTA. Furthermore, the ETIAS will be valid for a period of three years (or until the expiry date on the corresponding passport if sooner), whereas ESTAs are normally only valid for two.
Regular travellers to Europe will be able to use their ETIAS waiver for multiple trips, making the overall cost much more affordable, even for those who only travel away once a year. However, the current regulation that UK nationals can only visit Schengen Area countries for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period remains in place. Anyone who wants to stay for longer than that (such as long-term holidays or permanent residence) will have to apply for full visas.
Border controls
The process for passengers when they arrive should be the same as it is now. When their passport is checked and scanned at passport control, the border guard will receive notification of whether or not there is a valid ETIAS waiver connected to that passport. If there is, then the passenger will be able to pass through into their intended destination country.
If there isn’t, then they will be denied entry; however, in theory, the passenger shouldn’t make it that far anyway. Only at land borders can ETIAS applications be made at the time of the eventual border crossing. If flying into an ETIAS country or crossing into one by ferry, airlines and ferry companies should refuse boarding to anyone that does not have a valid ETIAS waiver secured in advance.
All this will take place electronically, and there will be no need to show any paper documents at the border point, other than a passport as usual. However, it’s good practice to carry a printout of an ETIAS confirmation with all other travel documents, for peace of mind and just in case there are any hiccups or technical problems.
Creating a pre-trip checklist
In the long-term, ensuring you have a valid ETIAS visa waiver will become just another part of preparing for your trip, such as arranging transportation to the airport or making sure you have your European or Global Health Insurance Card. Another vital part of your pre-trip checklist – especially if you’re travelling for sports and leisure activities – should be comprehensive insurance cover.
At SportsCover Direct, we provide specialist sports travel insurance policies for more than 500 different sports and leisure activities. Whether you’re travelling for a leisurely round of golf, adrenaline-filled mountain biking, skiing both on- and off-piste, or anything in between, we have the right policy for you. We can also cover you if you’re competing in races in events while you’re away, and our cover extends to medical expenses, travel disruption, and the loss or theft of your luggage and equipment.
Flexible payment plans mean that our cover is available from just a few pounds a month. Find out more on the protection we can give you for your next trip here.