Aussie travellers will soon need a visa to visit Europe
Australians have had a great run of things when it comes to visiting Europe for the longest time now, reaping the benefit of the Schengen Agreement which allows us to explore the continent for 90 days without a visa.
But this is set to come to a swift end as Traveller reports, with the European Union implementing a new entry system called European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). An extra layer of approvals is going to be added, making things slightly more complicated for Australians planning to visit Europe.
What’s happening?
From 2020 on, Australians planning to visit Europe will need to apply for a ETIAS visa online. As part of this process you’ll be asked security questions, details of your travel plans, and many experts are predicting a fee. Expect the process to be similar to the one involved in obtaining an ESTA visa when you’re visiting the US.
What if I don’t get a visa?
If you don’t get a ETIAS visa, you’re not going to have a very long trip. Australian travellers won’t be allowed to board any aircraft, ferry, cruise ship or train headed for Europe without an ETIAS visa, and there’ll be some big questions when you arrive if you’ve somehow managed to do so without one.
Why is this happening?
The new entry system is designed to help stem the tide of illegal immigration and beef up security against terrorism. Unfortunately, as is often the case in these matters, it’s the innocent travellers who must pay the price.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Once you’ve obtained your ETIAS visa it will be business as usual within the Schengen countries, with Australians welcome to stay within the zone and travel freely for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
There are currently some question marks regarding visa waiver agreements with Australia that predate the Schengen Agreement, but these are expected to be cleared up by the time 2020 swings around.
Our advice? Keep an eye on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website and if you can, get to Europe before 2020!