Warning issued to any Brit hoping to go on holiday in Europe next year
There's a strict set of new rules which will affect any British person travelling to Europe next year, so if you'll be planning to go on holiday, you should listen up.
The rules are set to be put in place mid-way through 2025 and they are the strictest we've seen yet with regards to European holidays.
Anyone with plans to visit the EU will need be required to provide an extra document before they can set foot in the Schengen Area.
At the time of writing, the Schengen Area is comprised of most EU countries, with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania became the newest Member States to join in March 2024.
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What is the ETIAS and how long is it valid for?
The new system is called the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and is being billed as the latest addition to security measures for travellers.
The ETIAS will cost €7 (£6) and the online permit will be valid for use for three years.
Can you apply for the ETIAS via post?
Alongside an extra cost being added to holidays, people are concerned about those who don't have access to the internet.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) states that seven to eight percent of households in the UK don't have internet.
This presents a key issue for many potential holidaymakers as there will be no way to apply for an ETIAS by post.
So in order to enjoy a holiday in the European sunshine, you will be expected to enlist the help of somebody else, or find somewhere with a working device and an internet connection.
What information do you need to provide for the ETIAS?
The ETIAS application process will include you having to give personal information, including passport details, your home address, alongside information about your parents and where you have travelled to in the past.
The aforementioned fee of €7 applies to those aged between 18-70, with travellers outside of that bracket not having to pay.
Once you have your ETIAS, you are still subject to checks at border security.
As for how long they take to come through, Travel Republic’s head of product, Gemma Brown, has given expert advice to The Sun.
She said: "It’s important to apply and obtain permission before booking your trip", before adding that the applications can take anywhere between a few minutes and 96 hours to be processed - though in some circumstances, they could take up to 30 days.
Kya Buller