UK travellers heading abroad for trips will need new travel permits.
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) scheme had been due to come into effect this November but has been postponed and is now expected to start in 2024.
It will be linked to your passport and will be needed for any short-term stay in 30 specified European countries, reports Birmingham Live.
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European Union officials said: "ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller's passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
"With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions."
The 30 countries where people from the UK and a number of other nations will need an ETIAS are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
People are advised to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of their planned journey, in case they are asked to provide additional information or documentation or attend an interview.
Once you have applied, you will receive an email confirming your application and including a unique ETIAS application number. A further email will be sent when your application has been processed.
Travellers need to make sure their name, passport number and other information are correct on the ETIAS application because any mistakes will mean you are not allowed to cross the border.
If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal.
An exact date for the start of the ETIAS scheme has not been announced.
You can visit the ETIAS website HERE.
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