UK Travelers to Pay €7 EU Visa Waiver Next Summer

The European Union will start a new €7 visa waiver for British holidaymakers by next summer. This new rule, beginning in the first half of 2025, will apply to travelers from over 60 non-EU countries, including the UK. The waiver might be ready by the May half-term holiday in 2025.

Starting November 10, non-EU travelers will also need to use the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES), which requires them to provide fingerprints and a photo instead of getting their passport stamped. This is part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), similar to the US ESTA. The ETIAS waiver will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.

The ETIAS will cover travel to the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The Home Office is waiting for more details from the EU about how this will be rolled out.

These updates come after delays in launching the EES scheme. Johansson said the new systems will boost security by using digital controls at all entry points into Europe, aiming to improve safety and reduce passport fraud.