From early 2024, travelers from more than 60 countries that can travel visa-free within the EU's Schengen area will receive a travel authorization from the EU Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before they travel. However, travelers from some countries, including the US and the UK, will have to pay a €7 fee before entering the EU.
Introduced in 2019 but postponed three times, the new scheme will add to the local taxes that tourists already pay to visit certain European cities and will cost 7 euros for those over 18, while the tax will not apply to minors and those over 70.
Starting from 2024, the new practice is expected to increase costs in the tourism sector in the main source markets of countries such as Spain in Europe, while markets such as Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the UK and the USA are expected to be negatively affected.
What is ETIAS?
The etias travel permit is an entry requirement for visa-exempt citizens traveling to any of the 30 European countries. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, depending on which comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to obtain a new etias travel permit.
With a valid ETIAS travel permit, you can enter the territory of European countries as often as you wish for short stays. Normally up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry requirements.
