What is ETIAS?
UK citizens can currently travel to Italy - and other EU Schengen countries - without a visa or any prior authorization. However, it is planned that starting in 2024, UK citizens will have to obtain an online document known as ETIAS before entering any of the EU/Schengen member countries. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will keep a record of who enters and leaves the Schengen zone. It functions in the same way as the American ESTA (Electronic System For Travel Authorization). These are the 30 EU Schengen countries that will require a valid ETIAS upon arrival at their borders: Schengen Countries
It seems that the ETIAS launch date has been moved to 2025. It's also worth noting that after the initial launch there will likely be a period of 3-6 months where ETIAS is not mandatory. This will allow the EU to work through any system issues which might negatively impact travellers due to complications with the initial roll-out.
Do UK Citizens Need a Schengen Visa to visit Italy?
UK citizens do not currently need a Schengen Visa to visit mainland Europe, but starting in 2024 UK citizens will need an ETIAS for entry to Europe. The ETIAS is not a visa requirement, and it will only take a few minutes of your time to complete an application form online and wait for an answer. Once you have an ETIAS it will be valid for three years.
When Will UK Citizens Need ETIAS to Visit Italy?
It is currently planned that UK citizens will need to have an ETIAS to travel to Italy during 2024, though the exact date is still unclear.
It now seems that the ETIAS launch date has been moved to 2025. It's also worth noting that after the initial launch there will likely be a period of 3-6 months where ETIAS is not mandatory. This will allow the EU to work through any system issues which might negatively impact travellers due to complications with the initial roll-out.
How does the ETIAS visa waiver work?
UK citizens planning to visit EU Schengen countries can apply for an ETIAS for trips for business, tourism or transit that last less than 90 days. The personal data submitted to apply for an ETIAS will be be checked across SIS / VIS / EUROPOL DATA / SLTD (Interpol) / EURODAC / ECRIS etc), the ETIAS screening rules as well as the ETIAS watchlist. If the application is matched to information from any of these databases, the application will undergo manual processing by the ETIAS Central and / or ETIAS National Units.
If an ETIAS application is approved, it will be issued for a period of three years or the date of the applicant's passport expiry, whichever date is sooner. Processing times can take up to 96 hours if additional checks are required. However, if additional documentation is required from the applicant, processing times can potentially take up to four weeks.
How Can UK Citizens Get an ETIAS?
When ETIAS become a requirement of travel, travellers can apply at the ETIAS website and the process should be quick and easy.
How Much Will ETIAS Cost?
There will be an ETIAS fee charged for applications for travellers between the ages of 18 and 70 is €7. There is no fee for travellers under the age of 18, or over the age of 70. Every traveller, regardless of their age, will require an approved ETIAS prior to their arrival to the Schengen Area.
How can I apply for an ETIAS visa waiver
ETIAS is only relevant to travellers who travel visa-free to EU member states. The application process is aimed at taking approximately 10 minutes or less. The website processing ETIAS applications will support mobile, desktop and mobile devices. The types of information requested includes:
- Biometric and personal data such as name, date of birth and gender
- Applicant contact details such as home address email address
- Education history, such as primary, secondary, vocational schooling, university, or no education
- Travel document information, such as a passport or other document, including data such as the document number, issue date, expiry date, and country
- Current occupation or job, including title as well as contact details
- First EU member state of arrival
- Background questions relating to previous criminal activity, drug use, travel to conflict zones, as well as EU and non-EU immigration history.
Third parties may apply on behalf of applicants, yet this must be disclosed at the time of submitting the application. Third parties will also need to provide their name and company information, where relevant, as well as their contact details and relationship to the applicant. More information on the ETIAS application form can be found here:
Which documents will UK nationals need to enter the Schengen Area?
After introduction of the ETIAS vias waiver system you will need the following documents when you travel to Italy:
- Your UK passport. It must not be older than ten years and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- ETIAS Authorization (starting from 2024).
- Evidence on the purpose of entry. Documents that show why you are travelling to the Schengen Area, such as a hotel reservation or invitation for a business meeting.
- Proof of sufficient financial means. Documents that prove that you have the financial means to support yourself during your whole stay in Europe.
Generally speaking, you will still only need your passport and, from 2024, your ETIAS document. But keep in mind that border official can ask for the above documents too. If you're travelling with us (Invitation to Tuscany) you will have your invoice showing your villa rental and this will show your purpose of entry.
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