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Editor's Note: We know COVID-19 is continuing to impact your travel plans. Should you travel now, be sure to familiarize yourself with the CDC's latest guidance on domestic and international travel as well as local requirements, protocols, and restrictions for both your destination upon your arrival and your home city upon your return. Be safe out there.There's another little cost to figure into your future European vacation plans. Initially starting May 2023, but now delayed until November 2023, Americans between the ages of 18 to 70 entering Europe will have to pay a ?7 fee, which comes to about $7.42. The new fee is part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be used to increase security at borders.
"Non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorization through the ETIAS system prior to their trip," the update posted to the European Commission website states. "The information gathered via ETIAS will allow, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection principles, for advance verification of potential security, irregular migration of high epidemic risks."
To put it plainly, there will be an extra step for travelers who enter the EU if they aren't required to get a visa for entry. You'll have to fill out a form through a mobile app or the website. Part of the application will require you to pay that fee of ?7. According to the ETIAS fact sheet, it will take about 10 minutes for most applications to be approved. Some applications may take up to 30 days for approval, but that is predicted to be less than 5% of cases.
The application will require your passport or equivalent document information, the first EU country you intend to visit, and background questions, including information about any previous criminal record, presence in conflict zones, and any orders to leave a territory. Once the ETIAS is approved, it will be valid for three years or the validity of your travel document.
This won't go into effect until next year, but if you've already got travel plans to Europe, you should definitely add this to your pre-trip checklist.
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Opheli Garcia Lawler is a Staff Writer on the News team at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @opheligarcia and Instagram @opheligarcia.