Did you know that UK citizens will need a visa waiver to get into Europe from the first part of next year?
Starting in the first half of 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have purchased a travel authorisation or visa waiver to enter 30 European countries for a short stay of 90 days or less.
The ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. Without it, you will not be allowed entry and most airlines, bus/coach operators and ferry companies will deny you from even boarding. If you go on a cruise which has European stops, you'll need to get an ETIAS in advance, even if you don't plan on getting off the ship. The ETIAS is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, if that date is within the three years. If you lose your passport, you'll need to get a new ETIAS after you get your new passport and yes, pay the application fee again!
Your ETIAS travel authorisation allows you to enter the EU as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period - which is the most UK passport holders can stay. UK nationals who wish to stay longer must either hold a visa, or a residence permit, unless they were permitted to stay under the EU-UK withdrawal agreement.
However, to be clear, having an ETIAS, does not automatically guarantee entry, you'll still be asked to see your passport and other documents when you arrive and you'll need to clear all other restrictions to get in.
You will need to either fill out an application form on the website or complete it on the app and pay a fee of €7. You will need to have your travel document and a payment card at hand as you'll need to supply some personal information. Your passport will need to have at least three months of validity from the date you are scheduled to come home and not be older than 10 years.
For more information https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
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