What you need to know about changes to European visas for 2025

There has been a lot of talk recently about the new visa system coming to Europe in the near future. Originally scheduled to come into effect in 2024, the launch has been delayed to May 2025, just in time for Europe’s busiest time of year for tourist travel! Never fear, it’s not as troublesome as some may think, with an automated process similar to the US Visa Waiver Program, which has been in place for decades now.

What is the ETIAS?

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been introduced to better monitor visitor arrivals and departures as a result of security concerns around terrorism, the migrant crisis and disease control. The new requirement, which is due to come into effect in May 2025, will apply to non-EU visitors to European countries in the Schengen Area. This includes popular destinations like Italy, France and Spain. For a full list of participating Schengen Area countries, click here – ETIAS Countries

Will the ETIAS impact me?

ETIAS will apply to all Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport, please visit the official website to understand if this applies to you. Regardless if you are travelling for leisure or work, you will need to apply.

How does the new system work?

• ETIAS is required for short-term touristic stays of 90 days or less
• Mandatory for those travelling on passports from countries outside of the EU (European Union) – this includes Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and the United States
• ETIAS are not required for travel to the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date from the participating country
• ETIAS cover multiple participating countries, you only need one ETIAS for a multi-destination trip
• The cost is 7.00EUR (approximately AUD11.00), however, it is free for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70
• ETIAS covers multiple entries to participating countries if the total stay is no more than 90 out of a period of 180 days. This means you can travel freely between participating countries during this time, but once you reach 90 days, you’ll need to leave and wait until the 180-day window resets.
• ETIAS information is linked to your passport, you’ll need a new ETIAS travel authorisation when you replace your passport for any reason (lost, stolen, expired)

What is the application process?

To obtain an ETIAS, apply online at  ETIAS Application | ETIAS Online Application Form For Visitors To Europe. The process is mostly automated and is expected to only take a few minutes for approval. The ETIAS application form will require you to provide personal information such as your full name, country, date of birth, nationality, passport details, etc.

Once the system checks for factual discrepancies or reasons that your presence poses security, illegal immigration, or high epidemic risk, the ETIAS Central System will issue your travel authorisation and you will receive email confirmation. If you are deemed a high-risk applicant due to criminal history, previous deportation or travel to war zones, further information may be requested and processing time may be several weeks.

Speak with your travel agent and make sure to visit the ETIAS website for more information. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have all the required visas and documents required for travel.