Alex Trelinski
BRITISH tourists travelling to Spain and other European Union countries next summer will have to pay €7 to get a ‘visa waiver’.
It’s part of the EU’s updated travel rules which start in June 2025 known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)- designed to boost security measures for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is an automated IT system aimed at identifying potential security or health risks posed by travellers before they enter the EU.
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Authorities say the automated system will simplify checks which took longer at traditional passport controls.
Once issued, the visa waiver will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
This new requirement applies to non-EU citizens from 60 countries who currently access visa-free travel within the EU.
British citizens will be eligible to use the visa waiver for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, upon entering the EU, they will also need to supply biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
The biometric data collection is part of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is planned to start in November 2025
The EES will work in parallel with ETIAS to keep tabs on potential security risk.
Upon arrival in Europe, all travellers will have to scan their passports at self-service kiosks.
But those not having an EU passport will also be required to provide biometric data, which will be stored and verified during future visits to the Schengen Area.
