The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

As a result of the Brexit, British citizens are subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period when visiting the Schengen Area.  

For frequent business travellers this restriction is somewhat frustrating and may have a wider impact on commercial activities.   

Given the 90/180-day rule, it is recommended for travellers and business alike to monitor travel with the Schengen Area.  

It was intended for the The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to be operational from November 2023, however implementation is now intended for a date in 2024, whereby British citizens, like all other 62 visa-exempt nations, will also need to be mindful that they will need to complete an online pre-screening programme before travelling to the Schengen Area.  

The ETIAS was agreed to on 25 April 2018 by the European Union (Council Presidency, and representatives of the European Parliament). 

Visa-exempt visitors will be required to register for the new electronic travel authorisation, also known as a visa waiver, to cross an external Schengen border. 

What is the ETIAS?  

ETIAS grants travel authorisation to non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area.   

All visa waiver nationals will need to apply for travel authorisation to enter a Schengen member country by air, sea, or land. 

Approval to travel will grant travellers with authorisation to visit ETIAS countries, which are all members of the Schengen area.  

Travellers may enter for short-term stays of up to 90 days for transit, business, or tourism purposes.  

Those entering a Schengen country for study or work purposes, or to visit for more than 90 consecutive days, will need to apply for the appropriate permissions to do so. 

How to Apply 

The application procedure will be an online process. 

Application Requirements  

To apply, applicants will require: 

• A valid passport 
• An email address 
• A debit or credit card
• Completion of biographic information 
• Completion of health and security questions 

The Cost 

 Applicants will need to pay the amount by credit or debit card to complete their application and receive an approved ETIAS visa waiver. 

The fee will be decided by the European authorities and is therefore subject to change.   

At present, the proposed fee is Euro 7.00 for applicants who are 18 years or over and free for applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age. 

Processing Time  

All applications are checked across a variety of security databases, such as SIS, VIS, EUROPOL, DATA, and Interpol.  

Applications are expected to be processed within minutes.  

Upon approval, the applicant will receive confirmation by email.   

Validity Period  

An ETIAS will be valid for 3 years, allowing for multiple entries, or until the registered passport expires, depending upon which comes first.    

Renewal  

Once an ETIAS has expired, it will be necessary for a traveller to apply for new travel authorisation. 

Does a Traveller Need to Take Any Action Now?  

No, only once the ETIAS authorisation programme becomes available, will visa-free nationals be required to apply before travelling.  

Until then, no prior authorisation to travel to the Schengen area is required. 

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