[Czechia] Czech Republic and other EU countries will charge visitors fee from 2024

In 2024, tourists visiting most European countries, including Czechia, will need to obtain travel authorisation in addition to having a valid passport, Expats.cz reports.

People who are currently eligible to visit 30 European countries without a visa waiver must pay a EUR 7 travel authorisation fee to apply to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as part of a new programme intended to boost security.

The list of countries that will require ETIAS authorisation includes 26 members of the European Union (including the Czech Republic) plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Only Ireland is not participating.

Who must apply

Holders of passports from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will reportedly need to apply before visiting any of the 30 ETIAS European countries for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for tourism or business. In total, that will affect 1.4 billion people in 60 countries.

The travel authorisation is linked to each user’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Those who have long-term visas to remain in Europe will not need to use the system. UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are also reportedly exempt from ETIAS.

Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union are exempt from paying the application fee. Also exempt are people under 18 or above 70 years of age. A FAQ offers further detail about who will need to use the system.

The ETIAS authorisation is not a guarantee of entry. On arrival, a border guard will ask to see the visitor’s passport and other documents and verify that they meet entry conditions, according to the EU’s website.

The application 

Applicants will reportedly be asked to provide details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones and whether they have recently been the subject of a decision requiring them to leave the territory of any country. This is in addition to questions verifying personal details regarding education and occupation.

The application process cannot currently be completed online but the EU has a dedicated website for official information. The majority of applications will be processed within minutes, however, in some cases it can take up to 14 days and an applicant could be asked for additional information or be called in for an interview.

The system will be reportedly operational sometime in 2024 but the exact date has yet to be announced. When it is operational, applications will be made online via a website or a mobile app. There is no mail or in-person option. ETIAS was originally intended to take effect in 2021 but the launch has been delayed for technical and other reasons.

Source: Expats.cz

(Links via original reporting)

In 2024, tourists visiting most European countries, including Czechia, will need to obtain travel authorisation in addition to having a valid passport, Expats.cz reports.

People who are currently eligible to visit 30 European countries without a visa waiver must pay a EUR 7 travel authorisation fee to apply to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as part of a new programme intended to boost security.

The list of countries that will require ETIAS authorisation includes 26 members of the European Union (including the Czech Republic) plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Only Ireland is not participating.

Who must apply

Holders of passports from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will reportedly need to apply before visiting any of the 30 ETIAS European countries for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) for tourism or business. In total, that will affect 1.4 billion people in 60 countries.

The travel authorisation is linked to each user’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Those who have long-term visas to remain in Europe will not need to use the system. UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are also reportedly exempt from ETIAS.

Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union are exempt from paying the application fee. Also exempt are people under 18 or above 70 years of age. A FAQ offers further detail about who will need to use the system.

The ETIAS authorisation is not a guarantee of entry. On arrival, a border guard will ask to see the visitor’s passport and other documents and verify that they meet entry conditions, according to the EU’s website.

The application 

Applicants will reportedly be asked to provide details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones and whether they have recently been the subject of a decision requiring them to leave the territory of any country. This is in addition to questions verifying personal details regarding education and occupation.

The application process cannot currently be completed online but the EU has a dedicated website for official information. The majority of applications will be processed within minutes, however, in some cases it can take up to 14 days and an applicant could be asked for additional information or be called in for an interview.

The system will be reportedly operational sometime in 2024 but the exact date has yet to be announced. When it is operational, applications will be made online via a website or a mobile app. There is no mail or in-person option. ETIAS was originally intended to take effect in 2021 but the launch has been delayed for technical and other reasons.

Source: Expats.cz

(Links via original reporting)