Millions of Brits WON’T have to pay to visit Europe from mid-2025 – find out if your family is exempt
FROM mid-2025, millions of Brits will need an extra document before they can set foot in the Schengen Area.
While most holidaymakers from the UK will need to apply for the brand-new visa waiver, there are some who are exempt.
The new system, called the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is being introduced as part of enhanced security measures for travellers.
While most Brits will need to apply for a new ETIAS visa, there are some exemptions, including children under the age of 18.
A statement on the Commons Library reads: “The ETIAS authorisation will last for three years (after which it will need to be renewed for future visits), or until the holder’s passport expires (whichever is sooner).
“It will cost €7 for people aged 18 to 70. However, it will be free for under-18s and over-70s.”
All travellers aged between 18 and 70 will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver from mid-2025, which will cost €7 (£6.10), meaning children and retirees older than 70 won’t need to fork out for the new visa.
It means that for a family of six, including two adults, two children and two retirees who are older than 70, only the two adults will need to pay, keeping holiday costs down for families.
Holidaymakers who are travelling to Ireland or Cyprus will not need an ETIAS via either, as they are both outside the Schengen Area.
Irish nationals, or anyone travelling on an Irish passport, also won’t need an ETIAS visa.
There are other exemptions too, including any UK nationals, and their families, who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Instead, these families will need to hold documents proving their status.
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?
There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Holidaymakers travelling on a full visa to a country in the Schengen Area also won’t need an ETIAS visa.
The application for ETIAS will only be available online – no postal applications will be accepted.
Applicants will need to submit personal information, including passport details, their home address, and even details about their parents and past travels.
But that’s not the end of the hassle. Even after paying and getting your ETIAS, it doesn’t guarantee you entry into the EU.
You’ll still have to go through border checks and prove you meet the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting.
Travel Republic’s head of product, Gemma Brown, has warned that the new ETIAS system will require Brits to be more prepared than ever before.
Gemma said: “It’s important to apply and obtain permission before booking your trip.”
She stressed that while most applications will be processed within a few minutes to 96 hours, some could take up to 30 days if further information is needed.
The new rules are set to kick in by mid-2025, with a six-month grace period for those who haven’t yet applied for ETIAS.
After that, there’ll be no exceptions – if you don’t have your ETIAS sorted, you won’t be going anywhere.
What you need to know about the ETIAS application form
When applying for the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter the Schengen Area, you’ll need to provide the following details:
- Personal Information: Full name, birth date, place of birth, sex, nationality, home address, email, and phone number.
- Travel Document Details: Passport number, issuance and expiry dates, country of issuance, and issuing authority.
- Employment/Education History: Information about your current or most recent employer or academic institution.
- Parental Information: Full names of parents. If under 18, include the name and contact details of a parent or guardian.
- Background Information: Details of spent convictions, travel to conflict zones, and any past return decisions.
- Travel Plans: The EU country you plan to enter and the address of your accommodation.
- Third-Party Submission: If someone else is completing the application for you, they must provide their details, relationship to you, and any affiliated organisation.
- Family Connections: If related to an EU or EFTA national with free movement rights, provide details about this relationship.
- Note: ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Remember, ETIAS approval doesn’t guarantee entry—you’ll still need to pass border checks and show your passport and travel documents. The form can only be done online.
Here’s everything else you need to know about ETIAS.
Also new for Brits will be the Entry/Exit System (EES) which will start on November 10 this year.