Europe is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be linked to the passenger’s passport.
The ETIAS functions as a mechanism for screening arrivals before travel.
Beginning in the first half of 2025, travellers arriving in Europe from Australia and 59 other visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS online prior to their trip.
A six-month transitional period will be in effect, during which travellers who have not yet secured their ETIAS will still be permitted to enter Europe, provided they meet all other entry requirements.
The initial cost of the ETIAS will be seven euros (11.57 AUD). There will be no fee for travellers under 18 and above 70, and family members of EU citizens.
Administrators have stated that most ETIAS applications will be processed “within minutes.” However, they also caution that the processing time could extend up to 30 days if further information is required.
European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said that the system “will ensure that we no longer have an information gap on visa-free travellers”.
“Anyone who poses a migratory or security risk will be identified before they even travel to EU borders, while the travel of bona fide travellers will be facilitated,” he added.
Source: CourierMail.
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