Brits Won't Have To Apply For ETIAS Visas When Heading To Spain In 2024
Spain News
Published: 25 September 2023 17:41 CET
Once again, the European Union has chosen to postpone the commencement of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Originally due to be enforced from November of this year in preparation for the subsequent calendar year, the EU has opted to push this start date back to 2024. However, this decision is subject to further changes.
According to the latest announcement by the European Union, ETIAS will not be fully operational until at least May 2025, raising concerns of yet another significant delay in its rollout for many European travellers.
ETIAS is designed as a visa waiver system for individuals travelling within the Schengen zone, similar to the ESTA program required for entry into the United States. When ETIAS is finally implemented, it will have notable implications for British citizens.
Brits, along with other third-country residents aged between 18 and 70, will be required to apply for this travel permit before visiting any of the 27 EU member states. This additional administrative step is set to create further challenges for British travellers.
For those who have witnessed extensive protests against Brexit and its perceived negative consequences, including calls for a reversal and rejoining the EU, the delay in ETIAS implementation is seen as yet another setback. Many had expected certain assurances and promises, only to find them unfulfilled.
Before ETIAS can be fully activated across Europe, another complementary system must be operational—the Entry/Exit System. This system is intended to register third-country holidaymakers as they cross EU borders. The synchronisation of these two systems is meant to facilitate a seamless process for British travellers entering the EU. However, as of now, neither system is operational.
An EU official emphasised the interdependence of these two systems, stating, "Both systems are deeply linked. Though the Entry/Exit System can function independently, it is impossible for ETIAS to become operational without the Entry/Exit System in place."
In practice, the EES must be operational for a period of five to six months before the implementation of ETIAS can commence. Currently, the anticipated introduction of the EES remains scheduled for sometime in 2024, and Brussels is anticipated to finalise a specific date by the end of this year.
This lack of synchronisation adds to the confusion and frustration surrounding the implementation of these new travel requirements for Brits and other third-country residents visiting the EU.
Sources
https://spanishnewstoday.com/brits-travelling-to-spain-will-not-need-an-etias-permit-next-year_2246381-a.html
https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/09/25/etiaspermit-eu-news-spain-uk-travel-news/
