Brits to face even pricier new visas when travelling to Europe – despite not even launching yet
HOLIDAYS to Europe could get more expensive as the European Commission looks to ramp up fees for a new travel document that has not even been introduced yet.
The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year, following the introduction of the Entry/Exit system.
Essentially, ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries which includes the UK, for short-term stays in the Schengen Area.
But the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned.
Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£5.98) as part of an online application.
However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, despite the scheme not even having launched yet.
The reason for this is because they want to use the fee to help with repayments on a €350billion (£299 billion) debt, which was used to fund the post-Covid recovery, reports Politico.
Currently it is estimated that only €215million would enter the EU's budget from the ETIAS fee after operational fees are deducted.
For Brits, this would be another blow as they already face longer queues since Brexit.
The publication added how ETIAS is one of the more popular tax choices ahead of budget plans which are due to be discussed next month.
The documents revealed by Politico state: "Given that the EU fee for ETIAS is one of the lowest among comparable systems in the world, it seems there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential."
The fee is currently lower than the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is required from non-Brits to enter the UK and costs £16.
All Brits aged 18-70 will have to pay to visit Europe from next year – here is everything you need to know about ETIAS
It is also less than the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Brits need to visit America which is $21 (£15.60).
Sun Travel has contacted the European Commission for comment.
At the moment the price for ETIAS remains at €7.
It will be free for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70.
Once the system is live, some travellers may also be exempt.
However, the system is not live yet and currently is not taking applications and people have been warned of fake websites attempting to catch out travellers.
ETIAS will apply to short stays, which refers to holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
Although, if you are travelling on a visa, you will not need an ETIAS.
Irish passport holders are also exempt from ETIAS.
Brits could also face travel chaos ahead of the new scheme.
There have also been warnings of a scam which is catching tourists out, ahead of the European visa rule change.
Plus, these are all the new travel rules Brits face in 2025 from biometric checks to visa-waivers.
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