Eumundi Voice - Issue 109, 23 January 2025

TRAVEL

Travel to Europe

New travel arrangements are in play in 2025 for Australians travelling to Europe and are designed to improve border security screening amongst travellers who don’t need a visa. From 8 January 2025, Australians still won’t need a visa but will need to hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the UK. The ETA must be processed before travelling to the UK and lasts for 2 years.

Almost all the rest of Europe will implement similar arrangements around mid-2025 at a date yet to be determined, that will be known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Countries include the 29 members of the Schengen area and Cyprus. An ETIAS will remain valid for 3 yrs.

Both must be applied for online ahead of your trip and should take 1-3 days to process. Fees will apply for each applicant including babies and children – £10 for the ETA and €7 for the ESTIA. Once approved, travellers will receive a notification that the authorisation will be linked to their passport.

For the UK Government’s ETA page visit: gov. uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travelauthorisation-eta or apply via the UK ETA App: gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app.

For details on the ESTIA visit: travel-europe. europa.eu/etias_en.

Airlines and travel agents are likely to take the lead in ensuring passengers know about the new arrangements but keep an eye on the date when ESTIAs will come into force if you’re planning a trip to Europe, beyond the UK.