Europe changes visa-free travel rules: how much it will cost to enter the EU from 2024
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Starting in 2024, entry to the European Union will be subject to a fee. Starting next year, Ukrainians and citizens of other countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU will have to have a travel permit and pay a mandatory entry fee under the ETIAS program
At the beginning of 2024, the ETIAS system will start operating in Europe - the European Information and Travel Authorization System, which will change the rules for entering the region for citizens of 60 countries, including Ukrainians. The relevant notice has already been published on the website of the European Union.
Read about the reasons for introducing ETIAS, the procedure for issuing a permit and its cost in our material.
Find 16 most useful tips for first-time travelers here.
What is ETIAS?
Currently, citizens of countries with which the EU has a visa-free regime have the right to enter the region only on the basis of a biometric passport. For 90 days every 180 days, foreigners can travel to the countries of the region, visit friends, relatives and engage in other non-profit activities.
However, the EU leadership decided to introduce an electronic system for citizens of visa-free countries that would grant permits and track visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. Such an innovation is designed to reduce security problems in Europe and contribute to solving the migrant crisis.
From 2024, citizens of 60 countries of the world traveling to one of 30 European countries will have to obtain an ETIAS permit before traveling.
The permit is attached to the traveler's passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who does not need to issue an ETIAS?
Citizens with a Schengen visa and foreigners with a long-term visa issued by one of the EU member states do not need to issue an ETIAS permit before traveling to the EU.
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ETIAS authorization procedure
ETIAS registration will take place online - on the official ETIAS website or in the mobile application of the same name. It is planned that filling out the questionnaire and obtaining a permit will take no more than 10 minutes. Ukrainians will need to submit a biometric foreign passport and fill in questionnaire data.
The price of the permit is 7 euros. Children will not have to pay any fees. Payment will be accepted directly on the website. You can pay by debit or credit card.
Importantly! The permit will be valid for 3 years. That is, after paying a one-time payment of 7 euros, you will have a three-year permit to enter the EU.
The traveler will receive the ETIAS permit by e-mail.
ETIAS must be issued no later than 96 hours before the planned border crossing with the European Union, regardless of the type of transport you plan to use.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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