Europe plans to implement new entry fee for travelers from visa-free countries
If Europe is part of your travel itinerary for next year, you should add an extra tax before you board. $7.43, to be exact.
The long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented in 2024, adding an entry fee of a little under $8 for non-European passport holders. The ETIAS was initially set to go into effect at some point this year, but guidelines around it have some European countries at odds.
The European Commission will require an approved ETIAS entry waiver from visa-free travelers entering Europe for tourism, business or transit. Once the processing fee of €7 (currently $7.43) is paid, travelers will be good for entry for three years. According to Travel Pulse, this is a bargain compared to the United States ESTA fee of $21 for two years.
Up to this point, gaining European access has been pretty easy for Americans. The continent has only required a valid biometric passport. ETIAS is usually a quick process that tourists can complete online before traveling. However, attempting to travel into the area without the document could lead to being barred from boarding or refusal of entry.
Travel Pulse reported that the intention in creating ETIAS was to improve security within Europe by capturing data on travelers from 59 countries out of the 62 that allow visa-free access to the area. The outlet stated that visitation has increased significantly in recent years, especially post-pandemic. The purpose behind strengthening border security against increased terrorism incidents and migration-related abuses of visa-free arrangements is to serve as both an overall monitoring system and a deterrent to potential criminals.
Another primary goal of the ETIAS is to track tourists traveling to and from the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a customs union and border-free zone within Europe that comprises not only a majority of EU member states, but also the nations of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Time parameters are also listed within the ETIAS for non-visa travelers. Travelers can only stay up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. If they remain after a three-month period, they must immediately leave and wait another three months before being readmitted.
Information on the final implementation of the ETIAS and how to apply can be found here.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Europe plans to implement new entry fee for travelers from visa-free countries."