This week the Europe Commission promises a new Visa plan for next year.
Europe’s new waiver procession was originally supposed to be in motion in November 2023. Now confirmed to start in 2024. The new travel authorization requires all European passport holders to get pre-trip permission before entering the border through an online authorization process.
The new European Travel Information and Authorization System(ETIAS) details the new process to be similar to the United States ESTA program. The program is for those who do not need a working visa. Mainly for travelers visiting for business, tourism, or medical purposes, a fee will be charged.
Compared to the United States ESTA fee of $21 for two years, the ETIAS charges a fee of 7 euros (in USD approximately $7.46) for three years.
This new system will function as a “visa waiver” and as the ESTA will serve as an entryway for travelers who do not need a visa to enter. Visitors who complete the online process also undergo a security check. This is done to ensure the applicants are not traveling with malicious items or intent.
Citizens migrating from countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are mandatorily instructed to apply if they do not have a visa.
Reasons Behind the New Entry Plan
When first introduced, the ETIAS proposed a way of moving visitors’ screening process before they board. A strategy that rids any potential passengers that fly with dangerous items.
“Anyone who poses a migratory or security risk will be identified before they even travel to EU borders, while bona fide travellers’ journeys will be made that much easier,” states Margaritis Schinas, vice President of European Commisions.
Before passengers fly, airlines will have to ensure they have the proper travel authorization.
When enquired about the process so far, multiple European international airports such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), Airlines for Europe (A4E), and others shared how far behind they are before ensuring a smooth process.
“The EES will be a game changer for how the EU’s borders are managed. There are, however, a number of issues which must be resolved to ensure a smooth roll out and operation of the new system so that air passengers do not face disruption.”
These checks will also involve a potential collection of fingerprints and photos upon arrival.
Fraudulent Applications
While convenient for many travelers, online travel applications attract scammers looking to fool tourists.
Many citizens looking to travel for the first time do not know what to initially look for when applying. Many websites charge an inflated fee to lodge an official application in the applicant’s steed. As a result, applicants will end up paying almost ten times the processing fee.
These sites make their way above official websites through aggressive advertising.
Europe Locals
For non – European citizens looking to visit before the year is up many tourists vote the Polish capital, Warsaw the best place to visit. Warsaw’s historical parks and low crime bring it to the top of many tourists list.
Italy’s Friuli region attacks many tourists looking for memorable photographs. The tucked-away landscape with beautiful landscapes, lagoons, canyons, and relaxing beaches is a stunner for many photographers.
As of now U.S Citizens with a valid U.S passport can travel to Europe without a visa if staying under 90 days. Citizens traveling for business purposes are allowed a 180-day time frame to stay without a visa.
Written by Brielle R. Buford
Sources:
CNN: Europe will start charging for entry in 2024
localnews8: Europe will start charging for entry in 2024
nzherald: Europe delays ETIAS: The rise of Electronic Travel Authorities and end to visa-free travel
Featured and Top Image courtesy of Kosala Bandara’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Dion Hinchcliffe‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
