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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

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"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

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Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

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Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

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Traveling to Europe is changing for millions of tourists. Here’s what to know.

The EU’s new visa waiver system for foreign visitors has been delayed until 2025. We explain how and when to apply.

Europe has delayed yet again its new visa waiver system, which by May 2025 will require travelers from the United States and dozens more countries to get pre-approval to enter most European nations.

Called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), it will replace manual passport stamping with digital registration, and aims to identify travelers who pose a security risk or are trying to breach immigration laws.

This system was originally set to launch in 2016, but has been postponed repeatedly, most recently last week when the European Union deferred its 2024 rollout. It will be adopted by 30 European countries, including tourist hubs France , Italy , Germany , Spain , and Greece .

ETIAS will apply to more than 60 countries which currently have visa exemptions for Europe, such as the U.S., the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , Japan , and Singapore .

Travelers from other countries will lose the privilege of using only their passport to visit most of Europe. Instead, they’ll also need to successfully complete an ETIAS application, similar to the U.S.’ ESTA process for granting tourist visa waivers.

The EU warns that travelers will need to apply for ETIAS well in advance—before booking flights or hotels. While most applications will be processed in minutes, some may take weeks.

ETIAS essential info

Once this system is launched, the first step for travelers will be downloading the ETIAS mobile app or visiting its official website.

Travelers will need a passport less than 10 years old, and which doesn’t expire for more than three months.

Travelers will have to submit their passport data, home address, current occupation, level of education, parents’ names, and details of their itinerary in Europe.

Applicants must also disclose criminal convictions, deportations, and past visits to war zones.

( Learn about the the contentious history of the passport .)

After completing this process, travelers will receive an email containing their unique ETIAS number, which they’re advised to keep for future reference.

Airline and Immigration staff will also be able to confirm a traveler’s ETIAS status via their passport number, which is linked to the ETIAS database.

An ETIAS application will cost 7 euros for people between 18 and 70 years old, but will be free for all other ages, and for family members of EU citizens.

An approved ETIAS is valid for three years. Its holder can then stay in participating European nations for a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period.

This system is being adopted by all 27 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, as well as Bulgaria , Cyprus , and Romania .

Biometrics won’t be required during an ETIAS application. But travelers using the new system will have to submit to facial and fingerprint scans upon arrival in Europe.

This may increase immigration processing times at European airports, says Kuan-Huei Lee, associate professor of tourism at Singapore Institute of Technology. “If the [biometric] process is added to the entry process, careful logistic planning is crucial to avoid congestion,” Lee says.

( Here’s how to plan a trip around the world .)

ETIAS is also likely to cause disruptions at airports outside of Europe, predicts Jun Wen, professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. He says that in the months after it launches, many travelers won’t know they need an ETIAS, and will then be barred from boarding their flight to Europe.

However, both Wen and Lee believe that ETIAS won’t deter many people from visiting Europe.

Several popular European destinations will not be adopting ETIAS, such as Ireland and the U.K. Travelers from many nations, including the U.S., will still be able to enter these countries simply by providing a valid passport.

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• Etias for Americans
• ETIAS for Brazilians
• Etias for Australians
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ETIAS Europe: Visa Waiver for EU Visitors

All of the information and requirements about European Travel Information and Authorization System. A comprehensive guide to what the ETIAS is, how it works and who requires ETIAS.

In this article

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) has been created by the European Union as a process to help protect European borders. It is a visa waiver program that comes into effect by the end of 2022. From this date, visitors traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries that currently don’t require a visa, will be required to apply for an ETIAS . The ETIAS provides travel authorization for business and tourism purposes only and is not for working or studying in an ETIAS country.

When Does ETIAS Launch?

The launch of ETIAS is currently scheduled for the end of 2022 but will probably not be mandatory until 2023. The launch was originally scheduled for 2021 but European authorities have pushed the date back to allow more preparation for setting the system up.

Countries That Require ETIAS For Europe

There are currently 60 countries listed as requiring an ETIAS if they wish to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone . This is the initial agreed set of members for the visa waiver program, although other countries are likely to be added to the list in the future. Citizens of countries that are currently able to visit areas of Europe without a visa will require an ETIAS.

Country of Origin and ETIAS Countries

Any traveler whose country of origin is listed below will require an ETIAS to enter a country listed under the ETIAS countries further below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

ETIAS Countries

These are the 26 countries that are currently listed as ETIAS countries, comprising of the Schengen Zone:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

When Does EU ETIAS Become Obligatory?

The date has been moved back since it was originally announced it would come into effect in 2021. It is now expected to become obligatory at the end of 2022 or early in 2023, in the latest update from the European Commission . We will update our information as soon as there is definite confirmation of dates and any other information release that is related to the new ETIAS system.

All of the latest news and updates regarding ETIAS.

Norway Opens Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Etias to launch november 2023, spain and france agree to permit dual citizenship for each other's citizense, vanuatu's temporary suspension from visa-free access to europe, kosovo's president says eu parliament expects its visa liberalisation status to be granted soon, most visited countries in europe, quarantine requirements on entry to norway, uk citizens urged to follow new eu entry rules, lithuania ends restriction-free travel, spain has updated the travel entry rules, etias is on track for introduction by the end of 2022, etias strengthening border control with ai, how will etias affect foreign citizens in europe, eu introduces digital covid pass for european travel, eu agrees etias regulation amendments, european covid 19 travel restrictions, etias protecting public health.

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European visa pre-approval and €7 fees – will the EU's new rules for travellers take off?

Entry for 58 nationalities is changing across the continent next year. industry experts share what it means for tourism and visitors.

Italy is one of 30 European countries that will require travellers to apply for a visa online before their trip. Reuters

With entry rules to the EU set to change for 1.4 billion people , the tourism industry is weighing up the pros and cons of the decision.

Here, The National speaks to travel booking platforms, market research companies and tourism bodies to analyse the move.

Introducing the Etias

UAE passport holders enjoy privileged status when it comes to travel, currently enjoying visa-free access to 179 countries, according to this year’s Henley Passport Index .

But that’s set to change as part of the new rules, which also affect arrivals from the UK and the US.

From mid-2024, non-EU travellers currently exempt from obtaining a visa to visit the Schengen area will have to pay a fee and apply for online travel authorisation before their trip.

Similar to the US's Esta programme , the new European scheme means non-EU travellers will have to fill in a form and pay €7 ($7.80) before entering Europe’s passport-free zone. The online service will apply to travellers between the ages of 18 and 70, and be valid for multiple visits of up to 90 days over a three-year period.

Dubbed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or Etias, the European Commission's new e-visa-style system will be required for travel to 30 countries across Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Greece and France. The full list of countries is available here .

Thirty European countries will soon require some travellers to obtain pre-approval to visit. The list comprises: Iceland. Getty

The system is being implemented as part of a broader strategy by the EU to “provide a seamless and digital travel experience, tighten up security and facilitate entry and exit across the region whilst raising much-needed revenue”, explains Caroline Bremner, head of travel research at Euromonitor International.

“The electronic scheme is also an attempt to remove confusion to travellers across the EU and Schengen zone where it is not always clear which countries belong to which,” she tells The National.

Impact on travel too early to call

Travel experts and industry insiders are divided over the effect on tourism and travellers.

Dubai company dnata, part of the Emirates group, says it is "too early for us to comment" at this stage.

Low-cost airline flydubai tells The National it recognises the coming change, but did not elaborate on how this might impact travel between the UAE and European nations.

“Flydubai follows the guidelines outlined by the relevant authorities with regard to the documentation passengers require for travel and we will follow the guidelines as they come into effect,” a representative adds.

However, additional fees and having to plan ahead could put some people off travelling, says Bremner.

“The introduction of the Etias travel authorisation is going to add a new complication to travelling to Europe for the countries that were previously visa-free," she says.

Despite this, the impact will be minimal, she believes.

“The majority of the EU’s visitors are intra-EU visitors," she adds. "Arrivals to Europe are not forecast to see a drop and will continue to grow at 17 per cent in 2024 to 785 million, thanks to Europe’s continuing appeal as a diverse destination for visitors despite challenges such as the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis and the new travel facilitation requirements.”

Known for its pristine beaches, traditional cuisine and cities filled with art and culture , Spain is a destination that is confident that new travel procedures won't negatively impact inbound travel.

“We don’t expect Etias to have a great impact on travel demand,” Daniel Rosado Bayon, director of Spain Tourism GCC, says . " It’s easy, not expensive and it will help to make the whole process at the border easier.

"This process already exists for other countries, such as the US, Canada or Australia, and it doesn’t deter people from travelling.

“The Arab heritage and the culture we share make Spain a destination that’s close to the hearts of people in the GCC."

He adds: "I don’t think this easy, inexpensive and fast process will get in the way for travellers."

UK to trial similar system for GCC travellers

Industry experts also suggest the scheme could simplify life for travellers.

Currently, many have to wait in long queues during peak travel times at EU border controls. With a pre-approved system in place, these procedures could become smoother and faster.

That’s something that Gavin Landry, international director of VisitBritain, is hoping for ahead of the UK rolling out a similar system later this year.

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation will launch in October with travellers from Qatar being the first to access online applications. It will then be rolled out across the GCC and, if deemed successful, the rest of the world.

“Any type of improvement on the border, or improved ways of getting into the country always has positive signs,” Landry says .

“A couple of years ago, when we set up e-gates for certain nationalities coming to the UK, we saw a spike in volume. When things are more seamless and frictionless for the traveller, the traveller responds,” he adds.

While the UK's ETA will be valid for two years, Europe's Etias has a longer validity and is not linked to one particular trip. This could provide travellers with the freedom needed to plan multiple trips to the continent, without worrying about additional paperwork and approval processes each time.

“The Etias lasts for three years and will help to boost short-stay leisure and domestic trips in Europe for those travellers willing to go through the process,” says Bremner, who backs the EU's move.

“With international tourism spending expected to exceed $1 trillion in Europe by 2028, the EU’s desire for a digital and seamless travel facilitation process is likely to pay off.”

Know more about the new Etias programme

First announced in 2016, Etias has been delayed several times, but is currently on track to start next year, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed.

In most cases, approval for travel is expected to be granted within minutes of online application, but travellers are advised to apply as far in advance as possible as some applications may take up to four days to process. Other applicants may also be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview, which could delay approval timing up to 30 days.

Approval is required for travel to 30 countries across Europe . Visitors heading to Ireland – also a member of the EU – do not need to apply for Etias as the country remains exempt, while Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania – EU members that are not part of the Schengen area – will require the document.

No biometric information will be requested from travellers applying for Etias. Instead, holidaymakers will have to submit personal information, travel plans, details on any criminal convictions and list family ties with any European citizens.

When it launches, Europe's Etias programme will also have an impact on countries' ratings in the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s passports according to the number of destinations holders can access without obtaining a prior visa.

“The introduction of Etias will have a significant effect on the visa-free scores, and hence the ranking, of the Henley Passport Index as our methodology is designed with the lived experience of the traveller in mind,” a representative for Henley & Partners, which compiles the data, says . "So any access that requires some form of pre-departure government approval is a scenario we would not consider to be visa-free ."

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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New Schengen visa rules announced; longer validity and easier access to Indian nationals

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD / Updated : Apr 25, 2024, 14:43 IST

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The EU's 'cascade' visa scheme for Indian citizens offers extended validity multiple-entry visas, strengthening ties with India. This initiative simplifies travel within the Schengen area and promotes tourism and business exchange … Read more

The EU's 'cascade' visa scheme for Indian citizens offers extended validity multiple-entry visas, strengthening ties with India. This initiative simplifies travel within the Schengen area and promotes tourism and business exchanges between the regions. Read less

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Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person's name, type of the travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection.

It will also record refusals of entry. EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings and does not allow a systematic detection of over-stayers (travellers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorised stay).

EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of European citizens. The new system will also help bona fide third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud. In addition to this, the system will enable to make a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveller.

The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) is responsible for developing and managing the system.

EES is among the measures undertaken as part of the Security Union and will help achieve the objectives of the European Agenda on Security and the European Agenda on Migration in particular regarding border management and preventing cross-border crime and terrorism.

The European Commission presented the proposal for EES on 6 April 2016 as part of the revised Smart Borders Package . After negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council the co-legislators reached an agreement in July 2017. The EES Regulation, together with a targeted amendment of the Schengen Border Code, were adopted on 20 November 2017 and entered into force on 29 December 2017.

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The politics stopping the UK from opening a youth mobility scheme with Europe

Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Lancaster University

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Erica Consterdine does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Lancaster University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.

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Earlier this week, it seemed possible that young people in the UK might soon be able to travel freely to work and live in Europe again. The European Commission laid out proposals to open mobility to millions of 18- to 30-year-olds from the EU and UK, allowing them to work, study and live in respective states for up to four years.

But the government swiftly rejected the offer, saying that “free movement within the EU was ended”. The Labour party followed suit, saying it has “no plans for a youth mobility scheme” . This has already provoked an angry response from Britons young and old who are “furious” about the rejection of the scheme.

The commission has been strongly opposed to making any concessions to the UK since Brexit, so this could have been a breakthrough moment in a politically difficult area. The UK already runs youth mobility visa programmes with ten non-EU countries, most notably Australia. But the possibilities for a UK-EU scheme have so far been derailed by lingering concerns over the highly charged politics of free movement.

Since Brexit, the UK has been considering expanding the current scheme . In the run-up to Brexit withdrawal, expanding youth mobility was floated as a way to alleviate anticipated labour market shortages with the end of free movement. Ultimately, the politics were considered too toxic at the time to pursue this, and the government declined to enter into any negotiations on mobility.

A different approach

The commission’s proposals are far from being equivalent to free movement. The period of stay would have a time limit, and other conditions could be requirements for health insurance and proof of sufficient funds.

However, much of the rhetoric on the future for a “global Britain” after Brexit was underpinned by the UK’s new immigration system being blind to nationality. These youth mobility proposals would in some ways give preferential treatment to EU nationals through equivalent tuition fees to UK students, and exemptions from the UK’s NHS immigration surcharge.

The proposals also leave open the possibility of bringing family members, as the UK curtails these rights for other immigrants. The suggested time limit of four years is also longer than the two-year stay granted to the majority of existing youth mobility visa holders from non-EU countries.

Despite rejecting these latest proposals, it’s evident that the UK is open to some sort of exchange programme with EU states, but on its own terms . In 2023, the UK approached several EU member states, including France, with the intention of negotiating bilateral deals .

The government likely prefers a state-by-state approach in order to encourage immigration from certain nationalities while deterring it from central and eastern Europe, and to avoid replicating the kind of free movement that was considered a key factor in Brexit. The commission, on the other hand, prefers an EU-wide scheme to avoid preferential treatment, and is discouraging member states from signing deals with London.

While Labour’s rebuffing is indicative of their electoral strategy to ensure they don’t alienate Brexiteers, some senior Labour officials suggest the party is more open to a deal. After all, having no plans is not the same as completely ruling it out . Whoever forms the next government might reconsider.

The history of youth mobility

Young people around the world view cultural exchange schemes as a rite of passage. With the UK unwilling to associate with programmes like Erasmus+ or Creative Europe , the opportunities for young Britons and Europeans to benefit from cultural, educational and training exchanges are diminished . While the new Turing scheme has replaced Erasmus in the UK, this is not a reciprocal programme – meaning the UK does not benefit from European students studying in the UK.

Read more: The Turing scheme was supposed to help more disadvantaged UK students study abroad – but they may still be losing out

The UK’s youth mobility scheme is the oldest feature of the immigration regime. A vestige of Empire, it was originally set up in the postwar period to foster cultural exchange between Commonwealth states.

Originally called the working holidaymaker visa, it was intended as a route principally for cultural exchange and soft power, not labour. The scheme has long been based on a set annual quota, with varying numbers of visas available to participating states on a reciprocal basis.

Geopolitics and the legacies of colonialism have long been at the heart of the scheme . There are unlimited visas available to the so-called “old” Commonwealth states, particularly Australia, while other countries like Japan or Monaco face a cap with applicants entering into a ballot. Recently, more expansive rights for some participating states such as Australians and South Koreans include an older age limit and a longer period of stay .

The visa is temporary (two years), but liberal. There are no sponsorship requirements, meaning that visa holders can work in almost any part of the labour market. In 2022, 16,900 visas were granted , primarily to citizens of Australia (45%), New Zealand (19%) and Canada (16%).

As global demand for labour migration has increased, youth mobility schemes have been used to alleviate labour market demands. As a result, some schemes have introduced conditional attachments to work in rural agriculture or horticulture for a period.

Some in the UK have championed these latest proposals as a way to fill the stark labour market shortages. But the lack of sponsorship on the visa means the government has little idea or control over what sorts of jobs participants would occupy.

Temporary visa programmes are also ripe for worker exploitation . One EU official has questioned the UK’s motives in this regard, asking whether the intention of a scheme would be to bring in young Europeans “to get paid minimum wage rates, without the in-work benefits” .

A UK-EU scheme could be a boost to the economy, in particular for universities and those struggling with recruitment in hospitality and tourism. It could also be a positive concession for UK-EU relations, and most importantly, restore the opportunities young Britons and Europeans once had.

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Sunak rejects offer of youth mobility scheme between EU and UK

Labour also turns down European Commission’s proposal, which would have allowed young Britons to live, study and work in EU

Rishi Sunak has rejected an EU offer to strike a post-Brexit deal to allow young Britons to live, study or work in the bloc for up to four years.

The prime minister declined the European Commission’s surprise proposal of a youth mobility scheme for people aged between 18 and 30 on Friday, after Labour knocked back the suggestion on Thursday night, while noting that it would “seek to improve the UK’s working relationship with the EU within our red lines”.

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen , suggested the scheme, which would also have allowed young people from within the EU to stay in the UK to work or study for the same period of time, would have been an area in which there could be “closer collaboration”.

“The topic of youth mobility is in both our interests, because the more we have youth mobility being on both sides of the Channel, the more we increase the probability we will be on good terms because the next generation knows each other very well,” she said on Thursday.

But the UK government indicated on Friday that Brexit had ended free movement and it had no desire to reopen that conversation, even with strict conditions on length of stay.

“We are not introducing an EU-wide youth mobility scheme – free movement within the EU was ended and there are no plans to introduce it,” a government spokesperson said.

However, they did note that the government would be happy to do deals with individual member states. It is known that the UK is keen to strike an arrangement with France.

One source said the UK wanted to “cherry-pick” which countries it wanted such programmes with.

The youth mobility scheme would not be a return to freedom of movement and would, if agreed, require a YMS visa, evidence of sufficient funds to sustain a living and health insurance.

The Conservatives have been urged to rethink their rejection of the offer because it could help boost the economy.

Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Expanding our existing youth mobility visas to cover European countries on a reciprocal basis would be a win-win.

“It would be a much needed boost to our economy, especially hospitality and tourism; it would offer great new opportunities to young British people to work abroad; and it would be a crucial step towards fixing our broken relationship with Europe.

“Of course, the details would need to be negotiated, but no UK government should reject this idea out of hand.”

Some Labour MPs believe the scheme could have helped Labour reach its plan to decarbonise UK power by 2030.

A senior Labour MP likened the scheme to a “sugar-rush, fast-fix” solution that would be helpful to an incoming Labour government but would be hard to wean off. They said: “Even though Labour has reduced its green objectives, it still wants to decarbonise the grid. There will be a time lag between training, recruitment and reskilling workers that would require an army of engineers for example to do that, and we’re currently far behind.

“To hit the ground running, this scheme offers us the opportunity to do that, but we would have to continue to fix labour market shortages.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “This is a proposal from the EU Commission to EU member states, not to the UK. It has come about because the UK government is reportedly approaching other European countries to try to establish mobility arrangements.

“Labour has no plans for a youth mobility scheme. We have already suggested some tangible ways that we would look to improve the relationship and deliver for British businesses and consumers, including seeking a veterinary agreement to tackle trade barriers, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and improved touring opportunities for artists.”

Anand Menon, a professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King’s College London and director of UK in a Changing Europe, said: “Clearly there is a debate to be had about the costs and the benefits of a youth mobility scheme, but I find it utterly depressing that both of the major political parties, one of which will form a government after the next election, do not know the difference between free movement and a limited youth mobility scheme which involves visas.”

He said he suspected the surprise emergence of a youth mobility scheme was a move to head off cherry-picking in the EU in the face of a surge of far-right parties, some of which are Eurosceptics.

“They are scared that member states will do bilateral deals, which becomes more of a threat the better the Eurosceptic parties do in the elections,” Menon said.

“For instance, Geert Wilders [the Dutch populist politician] would be more likely to do a bilateral deal with Britain if it involves annoying Brussels, and then the danger is you end up with governments in the EU negotiating unilaterally with the Brits because it is in their own interests.”

• European Union
• European Commission
• Ursula von der Leyen
• Young people
• Conservatives

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What you need to apply

Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.

• ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.

When filling out the application, you will need to have your travel document and a payment card at hand. You will also be asked to provide your personal information. You can apply using the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.

Travel documents

To apply, you will need a valid travel document to which a visa may be affixed.

Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years. If your document expires sooner, check here to know how it affects your travel.

A travel document which does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process. It may also pose problems when a carrier verifies your travel authorisation prior to boarding. If you have any doubt about whether your travel document entitles you to cross the borders of the European countries requiring ETIAS (and to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation), please check the European Council’s website and the lists the European Commission has published here and here .

Not all travel documents are accepted for ETIAS

Specific requirements apply to travel documents issued by some countries and special administrative regions, entities and territorial authorities that are not recognised as states by at least one European country requiring ETIAS. These requirements have an impact on whether holders of such travel documents are required to have an ETIAS or are obliged to apply for a visa to enter any of these European countries .

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine If you hold a biometric passport issued by the respective country authorities in line with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Serbia If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, or you hold a passport issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (‘Koordinaciona uprava’), you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Hong Kong S.A.R. If you hold a 'Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Macao S.A.R. If you hold a ‘Região Administrativa Especial de Macau’ passport you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Taiwan If you hold a passport issued by Taiwan which includes an identity card number, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Information

When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
• Travel document details;
• Details about your level of education and current occupation;
• Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
• Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.

You will need to declare that the data you submit and the statements you make are correct. You will also need to confirm that you understand the entry conditions to the territories of the European countries requiring ETIAS and that you may be requested to provide the relevant supporting documents each time you cross the external border.

If someone is submitting the application on your behalf, that person will have to provide their surname, first name(s), the name and contact details of the organisation or firm (if applicable), as well as information on their relationship to you and a confirmation that this person and you have signed the declaration of representation .

Applications for minors (under 18 years of age) have to be submitted by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.

Application fee

You will need a payment card to cover the EUR 7 fee. You can use a variety of online payment options to pay the fee.

Applicants who are under 18 or above 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.

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