UK travelers to the EU will need €7 visa-waiver starting May 2025

UK travelers heading to the EU will need to pay a €7 fee starting in May 2025, thanks to new rules introduced by the EU. This fee, part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will be required for UK and other visa-exempt travelers, similar to the US ESTA system.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced that the ETIAS will roll out alongside the new Entry and Exit System (EES), which begins on November 10. The EES will require travelers to provide biometric data, like fingerprints and facial scans, to enhance border security.

Travelers will need to apply online for ETIAS, giving personal and travel details. Most will get quick approval, but some might wait up to 72 hours. There will be a six-month grace period after ETIAS starts, allowing entry for travelers who don’t have the waiver but meet other requirements.

Kids under 18 and adults over 70 won’t need to pay the fee. Travelers to Ireland or Cyprus won’t need ETIAS since these countries are not part of the Schengen area.

[Source: The Guardian]