What is an ETIAS visa?
The European Travel Information Authorisation System is referred to as ETIAS. It is a brand-new EU initiative meant to enhance border security and administration for both Schengen Area nations and those in the process of joining Schengen.
From mid-2025, travellers from third nations that have visa waiver agreements (including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia) will need to get an ETIAS visa waiver before entering an EU Schengen nation.
How does the visa waiver for ETIAS operate?
The system will work similarly to an ESTA for the United States or a Canadian eTA visa waiver when it becomes mandatory for UK citizens to hold an ETIAS for Europe in order to visit the EU. This means that before leaving for Europe, travellers must apply online for travel authorisation.
The online application process for an ETIAS UK visa waiver is simple and quick to finish. All that would be required of potential travellers is the following:
- A current passport for the UK
- A working email account
- A credit or debit card
The ETIAS visa waiver will cost around seven Euros per person and is electronically linked with the traveller's passport upon approval. After it is issued, it can be used as many times as you want for the next three years, or until the passport expires (whichever is first).
How long can I stay in Europe with an ETIAS visa waiver application?
Travellers will have the ability to spend up to 90 days in Europe with the ETIAS for UK citizens. Travellers will be free to enter and exit any of the Schengen area's member states, including Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, without restrictions or passport checks, during this time.