The introduction of visa-style fees and forms for British travellers visiting EU countries has been delayed until 2023.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) had been due to “become operational by the end of 2021” with “full implementation” expected in 2022, according to the EU’s border service Frontex.
But EU officials have said that the system, which will apply to around 60 non-EU countries when it goes online, has been delayed and is now due to come in by 2023.
Under Etias, which is modelled on the US Esta system, visitors to the EU’s Schengen Area will have to obtain a travel authorisation before their trip and pay a €7 fee.
Those who have to pay the fee include people from countries on the “visa-exempt” list such as the UK. Countries not on the visa-exempt list already have to obtain a full visa which costs significantly more.
An EU commission spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that “the current planning for Etias implementation is it will apply as of end 2022”.
The UK’s final relationship with the EU will be settled by trade talks which are currently taking place, but the UK government has ruled out keeping free movement which means Britain is almost certain to be included in the Etias system.
Under the new system passengers will have to complete an online application form that covers questions ranging from security to personal data. The application is expected to be processed within 96 hours, with passengers’ names cross-checked against police databases, and the results sent by email.
The system is not technically a travel visa under EU law, though it has many of the characteristics of one. A single authorisation will be valid for three years or when a person’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.