Once Etias is operational, holidaymakers from so-called third countries will have to apply in advance to travel to the bloc and pay a fee – just like a US Esta.
The UK became a third country after exiting the EU in January 2020. The Etias fee will be €7 (£6). By comparison, an Esta costs $21 (£17).
Etias – European Travel Information and Authorisation System – had initially been due to be operational by the end of 2022 before being pushed back to May 2023.
Now, in an update to its guidance memo, the European Commission now states it expects Etias to be operational "by November 2023".
Etias applicants will have to complete an online form covering health, education and criminal convictions. The permits will last for three years.
