In a significant move that will impact millions of travelers, the European Union (EU) has announced that all non-EU citizens, including those from the UAE, US, UK, Australia, and many other countries, will be required to obtain a visa before entering EU countries. This new rule will take effect from 2024 and will affect travelers from over 60 countries, who currently enjoy visa-free access to the EU.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be introduced, requiring non-EU travelers to apply for online travel authorization and pay a €7 fee before entering the Schengen area. Similar to the US's Esta program, this e-visa-style system will be valid for multiple visits of up to 90 days over a three-year period and will apply to travelers between the ages of 18 and 70.
While EU authorities state that the new visa requirement will enhance security and border control, some in the travel industry express concerns. Frequent international travelers and business owners, worry that the extensive information requested during the visa application process may lead to discrimination.
The Etias authorization will be linked to a traveler's passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. Applications will be processed quickly, with most approvals expected to take just minutes.
The Etias system will apply to travel to 30 European countries, including popular destinations such as Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, and France. However, Ireland will be exempt from this requirement.
As the travel industry and travelers worldwide closely observe the impact of these new rules on travel to the EU, travelers from over 58 countries listed in the top 10 of the Henley Passport Index will need to adapt to these changes. The EU expects that the new rules will enhance security while maintaining a smooth travel process, but opinions remain divided on their overall impact.
Related Info: 11 most expat friendly places in South Europe - 10 Reasons to Live and Invest in Portugal
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be introduced, requiring non-EU travelers to apply for online travel authorization and pay a €7 fee before entering the Schengen area. Similar to the US's Esta program, this e-visa-style system will be valid for multiple visits of up to 90 days over a three-year period and will apply to travelers between the ages of 18 and 70.
While EU authorities state that the new visa requirement will enhance security and border control, some in the travel industry express concerns. Frequent international travelers and business owners, worry that the extensive information requested during the visa application process may lead to discrimination.
The Etias authorization will be linked to a traveler's passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. Applications will be processed quickly, with most approvals expected to take just minutes.
The Etias system will apply to travel to 30 European countries, including popular destinations such as Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, and France. However, Ireland will be exempt from this requirement.
As the travel industry and travelers worldwide closely observe the impact of these new rules on travel to the EU, travelers from over 58 countries listed in the top 10 of the Henley Passport Index will need to adapt to these changes. The EU expects that the new rules will enhance security while maintaining a smooth travel process, but opinions remain divided on their overall impact.
Related Info: 11 most expat friendly places in South Europe - 10 Reasons to Live and Invest in Portugal
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