Brits looking to holiday abroad in Europe will have to pay a post-Brexit fee from the end of next year.
Holidaymakers from the UK looking to enter countries in the European Union will have to apply for a new European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS).
The ETIAS, which is similar to the Esta visa-waiver scheme in the United States, will give Brits pre-authorisation for visa-free travel.
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But, it does come at a small price.
Brits will have to register their details and pay a €7 fee, around £6, before travelling.
The system will make an automated assessment and authorisation should be granted automatically.
However, according to the European Commission, it could take up to 30 days for travel authorisation to be given in exceptional cases where additional security checks are needed.
Once approved, authorisation will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires.
Officials at the EU border will ask for proof of the ETIAS authorisation along with the usual travel documents.
The European Commission has confirmed that the scheme, which only covers short stays of up to 90 days, is set to be in place from the end of 2022.
It was expected to come into force at the beginning of this year, but has been delayed due to the pandemic.
An official launch date has not yet been given.
Brits will be able apply to apply online or through an app on their phone.
According to Which?, the ETIAS visa waiver will apply for Brits travelling to all Schengen area states, including France, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Italy, as well as non-Schengen area microstates such as Andorra and Monaco.
