Millions of UK tourists exempt from brand new £6 tourist visa hitting EU

From mid-2025, millions of British travellers will need to navigate new travel rules when visiting Europe as the European Union (EU) rolls out its new £6 visa waiver fee.

This change will apply to UK tourists and holidaymakers who plan to travel to countries within the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a travel authorisation scheme designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures for non-EU visitors.

UK citizens and other non-EU travellers will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.

This authorisation will cost €7 (approximately £6) for people aged 18 to 70 and will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

However, there are notable exemptions.

Children under 18 and adults over 70 will not be required to pay the ETIAS fee, making travel more accessible for these age groups.

Additionally, some family members may also be exempt from applying for the ETIAS visa, though specific criteria for these exemptions have not yet been detailed.

In addition to the ETIAS, the EU will also introduce the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).

This is an automated system that will register non-EU travellers, including those from the UK, each time they cross an EU external border.

The EES is designed to enhance border security by recording the entry and exit of non-EU travellers.

Applications for the ETIAS authorisation can be completed online or through a mobile app.

The European Commission has stated that most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may require additional checks, potentially delaying authorisation for up to 30 days.