ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
ETIAS Visa Waiver for the UK: All You Need to Know
UK citizens will enter the Schengen Area after approval once the ETIAS travel authorization is introduced in May 2023. Here we’ll look at the ETIAS, why you need it, documentation, and requirements. This article will also discuss other important details like cost and validity.
What is the ETIAS, and what is its Purpose?
ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorization System, is an EU Visa Waiver program. The program mandates UK citizens to apply for an ETIAS visa before travelling to the Schengen Area from May 2023.
ETIAS will reduce the hassle of getting travel visas and heighten security to protect EU citizens and those entering the countries. The EU reports applying for the ETIAS Visa will take 10 minutes, and most applicants will get approved within minutes. Some applicants may wait up to 96 hours while their application is being reviewed.
Will I need an ETIAS?
From May 2023, the travel authorisation will be a mandatory requirement to enter the outer EU borders. This mean that as a UK citizen, you will not be allowed to enter EU countries apart from Ireland. While Ireland is an EU member, it forms a Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom.
The CTA’s terms allow UK citizens to travel to Ireland without travel authorization or visa.
How to apply
The ETIAS application will be an online process and most non-EU citizens could get approved within minutes. No biometric or fingerprint data will be taken when applying.
Documentation and Requirements
Applicants will have to provide the following information and documents:
- • Personal information (full name, date of birth, and gender)
- • Contact details (an email address to help with correspondence)
- • A valid UK passport
- • A debit or credit card to pay the application fees
Applicants may also be asked additional questions on the application form regarding: employment history; terrorism; human trafficking; Criminal history; drug usage; security details; previous travel to the EU; and travel to conflict zones.
You may not be approved to enter the Schengen Area if your lie on your application form or are seen as a current threat to the country you plan to visit. Note that UK passport holders with a criminal record will not be denied entry into the Schengen Area based on that reason.
How long will ETIAS be valid for?
UK citizens with the ETIAS Visa will be able to travel multiple times to the EU in its 3-year validity period. However, the visa waiver holder will only be legally allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days every 180 days.
What can you use this visa for?
The ETIAS visa will only valid if the holder uses it for business, tourism, leisure, transit, or medical care. If they wish to stay for other reasons like work or longer than 90 days each 180 days, the UK citizen will need different travel permits.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS application will cost €7. The money will cover the administration and ETIAS processing costs. Once you pay the fee, you won’t spend any more money unless your passport or ETIAS expires. The application will be free for all under 18 and over 70 years old applicants. You will incur an additional cost if you use a service to fast-track your ETIAS application.
Now you know
ETIAS will become mandatory in May 2023, and UK citizens will only enter Ireland freely in the EU. The visa waiver will expire every three years, and the holder must reapply online. The ETIAS Visa can become invalid before the three-year validity period if the visa holder stays in the EU for more than 90 days each 180-days or for reasons other than transit, leisure, or business.
You can also read:
- Getting your British Passport Overseas
- The International Driving Licence