If you have travelled to the USA or Canada, you will be aware that before your journey you had to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) visa waiver document. In the USA this is administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
It was introduced in 2009 to improve border security by stopping those considered a threat from entering the country. So all tourists visiting the USA had to complete a document which asked questions about any criminal record, countries visited, employment and any joint nationalities.
A similar system will be launched in Europe next year. Prior to travel Britons will have to apply for a €7 visa waiver.
There are two stages to the introduction of this process. First, Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into force on the 10th November this year. This will require all non-EU passport holders to have their fingerprints and a photograph taken on arrival. This is likely to cause some delays at border arrival points.
On subsequent exit or entry from / to an EU country, your fingerprints and photograph will be checked and recorded. This will eliminate the need to stamp your passport.
Six months later, in May 2025, the second stage will be the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This will be similar to the US system and will require travellers to complete an online application before travel. It is expected that this will cost €7 and will be valid for three years or the term outstanding on the passport whichever is less.
You will be asked for:
- Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number
- Passport details
- Details about your level of education and current occupation
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country
Together, the two new schemes are designed to make the EU border more secure in the face of terrorist threats but will make travel more bureaucratic and time consuming.
It is too early to apply but the EU has already set up a website for more information which is available here:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
When the time comes, be aware of fake websites intended to take higher fees from unsuspecting applicants. When the US launched ESTA there were a number of look-alike sites intended to charge a higher fee for the application.