Passengers wait to check in at Heathrow Airport (Image: Getty)
The European Union is set to launch its new travel authorisation system known as later this year.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become mandatory for non-EU travellers, including those from Britain, entering Schengen Area countries.
Once in place, nationals of 59 countries and territories who do not need a visa to travel to any of the 30 European countries, will have to apply for an travel permit before starting their trip.
These can be applied for online or through an app, and will cost €7 (£5.78) per person.
Normally it should take just a few minutes for the applications to be processed, but in some cases it may take longer – so travellers are advised to apply at least a month before their planned trip.
UK travellers to Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS permit (Image: Getty)
The EU has said there will be at least a six-month transitional period once the system becomes operational.
Visitors will still be allowed entry to the Schengen Area even without an , as long as they meet other requirements, during this period of grace.
In yet another major concession to travellers, officials have now confirmed that even when the grace period runs out, visitors without an and who are entering Europe for the first time after the end of the transition – will still be admitted, as long as they meet other entry requirements.
permits will be valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
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This means travellers can visit Schengen countries multiple times during this period without needing to reapply, provided their passport remains valid.
For each trip, visitors can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day window.
If longer stays are needed, a visa or other travel documents will be required.
The introduction of has been prompted by a rise in terrorism, irregular migration, and human trafficking across Europe in recent years.
The European Commission says ETIAS will contribute to safer travel without adding unnecessary complexity for visitors.
The ETIAS will help border officials quickly determine who poses a threat.
While similar to systems like the US ESTA, the ETIAS focuses on protecting the Schengen Area from external threats, while maintaining open borders between member states.