From 2023, Brits and Americans will have to pay €7 to enter the EU

People traveling to most EU countries will have to pay to enter EU an entry fee in less than a year.

The EU has finally announced the start date for its new ETIAS visa waiver system, which requires non-residents to fill out a €7 application form.

Brits, Americans, Australians, and other nationals are allowed to spend up to 90 days in each of the Schengen Area countries under the so-called “90 day rule.” They’ll need a visa if they stay any longer.

This isn’t changing fundamentally, as people are still allowed to spend this much time inside the zone, but starting in May 2023, the process will no longer be completely admin-free.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is intended to “increase security and help prevent health threats to the bloc.”

Who is covered by the new EU visa waiver?

People who do not live permanently in an EU country or do not require a visa to stay in one are affected by the new security measure.

Tourists, second-home owners, temporary workers, and visitors to family or friends in the 26 Schengen zone countries (excluding Ireland) should be aware.

The new ETIAS permit is being compared to the Australian ETA and the United States ESTA visa waivers, both of which are used for short-term stays.

The rules for those who require a Schengen visa, including the vast majority of African, Asian, and South American citizens, will remain unchanged.

When and how will this affect non-EU citizens’ travel?

According to the European Commission, this will have “minimal impact” on people traveling to Europe which will have to pay to enter EU.

Before arriving, eligible travelers must fill out an online application, which costs €7 or is free for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70.

Filling out the form, which will require passport information and travel details, as well as some basic security questions, should take only a few minutes. However, travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours ahead of time in case of any delays.

Once approved, your application is valid for three years, which is great news for frequent travelers, but it must then be renewed.

ETIAS, which was originally scheduled to go into effect at the end of 2022, will now go into effect in May 2023.