Beginning in 2019, Australian travelers to Europe will have to submit an online application as part of a new EU initiative to waive visa requirements.
Visitors from 60 countries will need to fill out a form in order to be approved under the visa waiver program, which will be implemented starting in May 2023.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a “mainly automated IT system meant to identify security, irregular migration, or high pandemic threats posed by visa-exempt visitors,” will be the place where travellers must submit their applications.
The form must be filled out online without the use of a biometric method.
The cost of each application for travelers between the ages of 18 and 70 is €7, or $11 Australian.
It’s unclear whether travelers beyond that age range who wish to visit Europe will pay a lower rate or won’t be required to.
In the “great majority of circumstances,” or roughly 95% of applications, the ETIAS should process and authorise a new application “within minutes.”
The majority of travelers will have their forms approved in a matter of minutes, but according to the EU website, in some “extraordinary instances,” the approval procedure could take up to a month.
Any applicant who has their application rejected may readily appeal the verdict online.
In the EU, the ETIAS will be implemented primarily for security reasons.
“Vital information necessary to analyze potential dangers with individuals traveling to the EU” is provided by the forms to European authorities.
A successful ETIAS application allows foreign visitors an unrestricted number of trips to Europe over the course of three years.
Australians and foreign visitors will only be permitted to stay in the bloc for a maximum of 90 days out of every 180 days.
Those who intend to stay for an extended amount of time must apply for a visa.
The 60 nations throughout the world that are covered by the visa waiver program include Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, the Ukraine, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Since the UK departed the EU in January 2020, it is also listed among the nations.
The program is not applicable to travelers who are already citizens of the EU.
The European Union’s declaration comes as Qantas on Saturday began operating its first direct trip from Perth to Italy.
Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas, told News.com.au that long-haul flights between Australia and Europe will become more frequent soon.
We anticipate that there will be a lasting change in how people desire to travel. “We’re witnessing a growing preference for a non-stop trip to and from Australia to make the travel experience as efficient and uncomplicated as possible.”
Travelers may already take a direct Qantas trip from Perth to London.
Beginning in 2025, Qantas will offer nonstop service from Sydney to London and New York.