Australians to require new $12 'visa' to visit European hotspots
Australians who want to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe will soon have to apply for a new kind of visa.
More details on the ETIAS travel authorisation, which has been mooted for months, have been revealed.
People from 60 nations, including Australia, who didn't traditionally need visas to go to Europe will need the travel authorisation to go to 30 specific European countries on holiday.
ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be similar to the US Visa waiver system, an ESTA.
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The new ETIAS will be needed for ussies who want to go to Spain. Getty
Which countries need ETIAS
The countries where you will need the new travel authorisation to go include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Do Australians need ETIAS?
Yes, Aussies are among the nationalities which will need them.
Brits and Americans and Kiwis also need one, along with many other nations.
What date does ETIAS start?
It will start "early 2025" according to the official website.
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How long is the ETIAS valid for?
The ETIA will be linked to your passport.
It will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
But if you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
You can stay for 90 days out of 180 days in Europe, the same as before.
Border guards will check details and determine if they let you in.
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Australians who want to visit Europe will soon have to get a new kind of paperwork. Getty Images/iStockphoto
ETIAS cost
They will cost seven euro, which is just under $12.
Under 18s and over 70s don't need to pay for them.
Nor do family of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.
Applications will be done online via the official ETIAS website or app.
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How long does EITAS take
"Most applications are processed within minutes," the website says.
"It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days."
You could be asked for more information, and might need to attend an interview, likely in rare cases.
Aussies planning to go to Europe should apply "well in advance," the website said.
Aussies won't be going to Cinque Terre, Italy without the new EITAS. Getty
ETIAS information needed
The application will ask for a lot of information.
This will include your name, address, date of birth but also things like you parent's first names, level of education, occupation, details of travel, and details of any criminal convictions.
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