UK tourists will need to pay to enter popular holiday destinations like Spain and Greece

UK tourists will have to fork out to visit a number of holiday hot spots next year thanks to the introduction of a new visa system.

The EU’s visa waiver policy will come into force from November 2023, meaning British visitors will need to pay for an electronic permit.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is designed to enhance security and enforce the borders of the Schengen zone, which includes popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy.

The ETIAS will be required for anyone over the age of eighteen and under the age of seventy travelling to a European country, whether it be by airplane, boat or car.

Eugene Zhyvchik / Unsplash

Tourists will need a passport or equivalent document to apply, and it’s estimated that for the majority of people, ETIAS will be approved within minutes.

However, those who are flagged as a potential risk could face a wait of up to ninety-six hours.

The visa applications will ask questions regarding identity, passports, education, jobs, recent travel and any criminal convictions.

This new visa system will also replace the current system of passports being stamped, with the new visa documents to be scanned electronically instead.

Julian Dik / Unsplash

An ETIAS will reportedly cost €7 (£5), with successful applicants being permitted to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to ninety days per 180-day period.

The visa will remain valid for three years and for multiple trips to Europe, with people who apply during the transition period being permitted to use the permit for the next three years, unless their passport expires.

There are currently 26 countries in the Schengen Area, all of which will fall under the new system:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

For more information and to see if you’re eligible to apply for the new ETIAS visa, visit the official ETIAS website here.