The EU Will Charge To Enter Next Year!

Summary

Starting Summer 2025, British citizens will be required to pay a €7 EU Visa waiver fee for entry into the European Union, a move seen by many as a 'Brexit tax'. This fee, part of a global trend, is not exclusive to the UK but is cheaper than the US ESTA at $21. The EU claims the measure will enhance security checks on visa-free travelers. The concept of visa-free travel is evolving, with fees becoming the norm, impacting 30 countries in the Schengen area. The UK is also implementing a similar ETA for various countries, including some British overseas citizens, reflecting a common approach among the Anglosphere nations to manage immigration and security.

Takeaways

• 🇪🇺 As of Summer 2025, British citizens will have to pay a €7 EU Visa waiver fee to enter the European Union, which is being referred to by some as a 'Brexit tax'.
• 🌐 This fee is not exclusive to the UK; it applies to all non-EU countries, and similar systems exist worldwide, including in the US with the ESTA.
• 💸 The EU's €7 fee is one of the lowest compared to other countries like the US, which charges $21 for the ESTA.
• 🔍 The waiver fee aims to enhance security checks for visa-free travelers to the EU, similar to the rationale behind the US ESTA.
• 🛂 The EU waiver covers travel to all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as countries like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
• 👶 The fee is waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, which is a unique aspect of the EU's scheme compared to the US policy.
• 📅 The exact start date of the EU scheme is not yet specified, only known to be in the first half of 2025.
• 🌱 The money collected from the EU waiver fee is intended to fund tourism infrastructure and security measures, not just to generate revenue.
• 🌍 Other countries like Canada, New Zealand, and soon the UK are implementing similar ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) systems, indicating a global trend.
• 🤔 The implementation of these fees and authorizations reflects growing concerns about immigration and security, as well as a shift in the concept of 'visa-free' travel.

Q & A

What is the EU Visa waiver fee that British citizens will have to pay starting from Summer 2025?

British citizens will have to pay a €7 EU Visa waiver fee to enter the European Union starting from Summer 2025.

Why is the EU Visa waiver fee being criticized by some British citizens?

Some British citizens are criticizing the EU Visa waiver fee as a 'Brexit tax', viewing it as a punitive measure by the EU because the UK left the Union.

What is the difference between the EU Visa waiver fee and the US ESTA fee?

The EU Visa waiver fee is €7, which is significantly lower than the US ESTA fee of $21, making it one of the latest and cheapest schemes compared to other countries.

Which countries are covered under the EU Visa waiver scheme?

The EU Visa waiver scheme covers travel to the Schengen area, which includes every EU member state except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Why are children under 18 and adults over 70 exempt from the EU Visa waiver fee?

The script does not provide a specific reason for this exemption, but it suggests revisiting this point for further explanation.

What is the purpose of the EU introducing the Visa waiver scheme?

The EU aims to strengthen security checks on visa-free travelers entering the EU, similar to the rationale behind the US ESTA.

How does the Visa waiver scheme affect the concept of visa-free travel?

The concept of visa-free travel is evolving to mean 'visa fee' instead of unrestricted travel, as travelers now need to pay a fee and complete a form before entering certain countries.

What is the difference between the US ESTA fee structure and the EU Visa waiver fee structure?

The US ESTA fee is a flat $21, with $4 as a processing fee and $17 that goes towards promoting US tourism. The EU's fee is €7, without specifying how the fee is allocated.

Why do some countries charge a fee for their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and what is it used for?

Countries charge a fee for their ETAs to cover the cost of processing and to fund tourism promotion and infrastructure. For example, the US uses part of the ESTA fee to promote tourism.

How does the introduction of the Visa waiver scheme relate to concerns over security and migration?

The introduction of the Visa waiver scheme is a response to the migrant crisis and concerns over terrorism, allowing countries to screen travelers before they arrive.

What is the UK's stance on implementing a similar ETA system to the EU and US, and which countries will it affect?

The UK is planning to implement a similar ETA system, affecting citizens from countries that can visit the UK visa-free, including EU member states, Israel, Paraguay, South Korea, and Japan.

How does the UK's ETA fee compare to other countries' fees, and what is unique about its implementation?

The UK's ETA fee is £10, which is relatively low compared to other countries. It is unique in that it will be applied to British Nationals overseas and British protected persons, in addition to other eligible travelers.