The UK’s Conservative Government has proposed a US-style visa waiver system for EU citizens. The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was announced on the 2nd of December 2019 by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who explained it would require EU visitors to apply for an electronic visa waiver prior to entry into the UK.
The Home Secretary suggested that new rules would help the country improve its border security, noting that the current arrangement with the EU was “limiting border capability” for the UK.
The proposed new measures, however, have been criticised by both parliamentary and expert sources who indicated that the UK would be more at risk by losing access to major EU crime databases and the European Arrest Warrant system. They have also warned that reciprocal measures could affect UK citizens travelling to the Schengen Area.
How the new rules will affect European citizens post-Brexit
At present EU citizens are able to travel to the UK with just a national ID card or a valid passport. However, this is set to change due to Brexit if the new rules proposed by the Home Secretary are finalised and rolled out.
One of the biggest changes is that citizens of EU countries would be required to apply for an electronic visa waiver up to 3 days before travelling to the UK for short trips. They will also have to gain appropriate security clearance and pay an administration fee.
Another major change is that in addition to holding a valid visa waiver, EU citizens will need to travel with a full passport instead of an ID card.
The system itself is expected to function in a similar way to the US ESTA visa waiver which has been in place since 2010. This allows visitors from around the world to enter the US after obtaining online authorisation from US homeland security prior to travel. It also permits multiple trips for up to 90 days over a 2 year period.
Online travel authorisation systems like these are distinct from visas - the waivers are much quicker and simpler to apply for and avoid the need to go to an embassy.
Will any other nationalities be affected by the new UK ETA?
In addition to all EU citizens, the new travel authorisation for the UK is likely to include all other visa-exempt nationalities too.
Although the final list has not yet been announced, other visa-exempt countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the US.
Will UK citizens need a visa to visit Europe after Brexit?
It is not expected that British citizens will need a visa to visit EU countries. However, the European Union is also to launch its own ETIAS visa waiver in 2025 for third-country nationals visiting the Schengen area. This will become a requirement for UK passport holders too.
UK passport holders with ETIAS will be able to visit all Schengen countries for a period of up to 90 days at a time.
To register for an ETIAS visa waiver, visitors will need to apply online by filling in their identifying information, indicating their travel plans, submitting details on supporting documentation (such as a passport) and, finally, paying a fee.
In addition to obtaining an ETIAS travel authorisation, UK citizens will be subject to further requirements when going to Europe from 2025. Details of these changes have recently been released and cover the following topics:
- Passport validity and issue date
- Driving in EU countries
- Going to EU countries with a pet
- Coverage for medical care
- Mobile roaming charges
How long should a UK passport be valid for?
UK citizens heading to Europe from 2025 should check that the date of travel their passport is:
- Valid for at least 6 more months
- Less than 10 years old
Visitors must renew their passport if both of these conditions are not met.
