British holidaymakers planning trips to Europe will soon have to fork out an additional £388 per person due to the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The new visa waiver scheme, expected to launch in mid-2025, will require UK citizens to pay €7 (around £6) for a three-year travel permit.
Why the Extra £388?
While the individual ETIAS fee is relatively low, the real sting comes for families or groups. A typical family of four would need to pay £24 every three years, but the bigger shock is the £366 fee for non-EU citizens who don't qualify for the waiver. Combined with the £7 ETIAS charge, this creates a potential £388 per person cost for some travellers.
Who's Affected?
- All UK passport holders visiting Schengen Zone countries
- Travellers staying up to 90 days in 180-day period
- Those who previously enjoyed visa-free travel
Post-Brexit Travel Changes
The ETIAS system marks another post-Brexit change for British travellers. Similar to the US ESTA system, it requires online registration and approval before travel. The European Commission states this will:
- Strengthen border security
- Reduce illegal immigration
- Speed up border checks for pre-approved travellers
Tourism experts warn this could deter last-minute trips and add complexity to travel planning. "Families need to factor this into their holiday budgets," says travel analyst Sarah Wilkinson. "It's another hidden cost of Brexit that many people didn't anticipate."
