Even though the introduction of the Etias travel authorisation system has been delayed until next year, a House of Lords committee has written to home secretary Suella Braverman seeking “further assurance” that “no disruption” to travel will be caused when it is finally implemented by the EU in 2024.
The House of Lords’ European Affairs Committee, which last month published a report urging the creation of improved mobility rules between the UK and EU, has now raised a series of further issues with Braverman affecting the rights of both UK and EU citizens since Brexit.
“We ask you to provide us with your assessment of the possible implications of the EU’s proposed introduction of the Etias for UK citizens travelling between the EU and the UK, and to update us on what steps are being taken to ensure that this does not result in disruption to travel between the EU and the UK for this group,” said the committee in its letter.
Members of the committee heard evidence from witnesses that there were likely to be “teething problems” when Etias is introduced and there was a need for “good, clear, precise information” about what both travellers and border officials had to do when the system is eventually implemented.
Etias will operate in a similar way to the US’s existing Esta system for travellers from visa-waiver countries. It will cost €7 for a permit lasting for three years.
The committee also said it had heard reports from witnesses that UK citizens have “frequently experienced issues” when travelling to the EU, including “misunderstandings” by border officials in the Schengen area, which had even resulted in one traveller facing an “incorrect” immigration charge.
“The committee urges the home secretary to work with the European Commission and the authorities in EU member states to ensure that guidance to border authorities is made as clear as possible” added the committee in a statement.
Braverman has been asked by the committee to respond to these issues by 26 June.
