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The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Brits to face even pricier new visas when travelling to Europe – despite not even launching yet
HOLIDAYS to Europe could get more expensive as the European Commission looks to ramp up fees for a new travel document that has not even been introduced yet. The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year, following the introduction of the Entry/Exit system. Essentially, ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries which includes the UK, for short-term stays in the Schengen Area. But the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned. Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£5.98) as part of an online application. However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, despite the scheme not even having launched yet. The reason for this is because they want to use the fee to help with repayments on a €350billion (£299 billion) debt, which was used to fund the post-Covid recovery, reports Politico. Currently it is estimated that only €215million would enter the EU's budget from the ETIAS fee after operational fees are deducted. For Brits, this would be another blow as they already face longer queues since Brexit. The publication added how ETIAS is one of the more popular tax choices ahead of budget plans which are due to be discussed next month. The documents revealed by Politico state: "Given that the EU fee for ETIAS is one of the lowest among comparable systems in the world, it seems there is a possibility of a gradual increase of the fee, strengthening the long-term revenue potential." The fee is currently lower than the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is required from non-Brits to enter the UK and costs £16. All Brits aged 18-70 will have to pay to visit Europe from next year – here is everything you need to know about ETIAS It is also less than the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Brits need to visit America which is $21 (£15.60). Sun Travel has contacted the European Commission for comment. At the moment the price for ETIAS remains at €7. It will be free for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70. Once the system is live, some travellers may also be exempt. However, the system is not live yet and currently is not taking applications and people have been warned of fake websites attempting to catch out travellers. ETIAS will apply to short stays, which refers to holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Although, if you are travelling on a visa, you will not need an ETIAS. Irish passport holders are also exempt from ETIAS. Brits could also face travel chaos ahead of the new scheme. There have also been warnings of a scam which is catching tourists out, ahead of the European visa rule change. Plus, these are all the new travel rules Brits face in 2025 from biometric checks to visa-waivers. 2
CairoScene
03-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
GCC Residents Can Enter Armenia Without a Visa Starting July 1st
Travellers with residency permits from the US, EU, Schengen Area countries, and GCC nations can also enter Armenia visa-free. Starting July 1st, 2025, Armenia will implement a visa-free regime for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, allowing them to enter and stay in the country for up to 180 days within a year without the need for an entry visa. In addition to the visa exemption for these three countries, Armenia has extended visa-free entry to individuals holding valid residency permits from the United States, European Union member states, Schengen Area countries, and GCC nations. These individuals can also stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a year without a visa.
India Today
02-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Philippines grants visa-free entry to Indian nationals: Key details and guidelines
In a significant move to bolster tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, the Philippines has introduced new visa-free entry options for Indian nationals. Effective May 19, 2025, this policy offers streamlined access for Indian travellers, facilitating easier short-term visits to the archipelagic THE NEW VISA-FREE POLICYThe Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi has outlined two distinct visa-free entry schemes for Indian citizens:advertisement1. 14-Day visa-free stay: All Indian nationals are eligible for a non-extendable 14-day visa-free entry into the Philippines. This provision is designed to encourage tourism and short business trips, allowing travellers to explore the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. 2. 30-day visa-free stay for specific visa holders: Indian travellers holding valid visas or permanent residency permits from select countries—namely Australia, Japan, the United States, Canada, Schengen Area countries, Singapore, or the United Kingdom—can avail themselves of a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. This initiative aims to attract a broader segment of Indian tourists and business professionals who have established travel histories with these CRITERIA AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTSTo benefit from these visa-free arrangements, Indian travellers must meet the following criteria:Valid passport: Possess a passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended or onward Ticket: Hold a return or onward ticket to the next destination, ensuring compliance with the stipulated duration of of accommodation: Provide evidence of hotel bookings or an invitation from a host residing in the funds: Demonstrate financial capability to cover expenses during the stay, typically through recent bank statements or equivalent financial documentation for extended stay: For the 30-day visa-free entry, present valid visas or residency permits from the specified countries at the port of CONSIDERATIONSNon-extendable stay: The 14-day visa-free period is strictly non-extendable. Travellers must depart the Philippines on or before the 14th day to avoid penalties or legal to local laws: Visitors are expected to comply with all local laws and regulations during their stay. Any violation may result in fines, deportation, or future entry and safety protocols: Given the evolving global health landscape, travellers should stay informed about any health advisories or entry requirements, such as vaccinations or health screenings, that may be in place at the time of FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERSThis policy change is poised to enhance the travel experience for Indian nationals, offering greater flexibility and reducing the administrative burden associated with visa Philippines, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant festivals, and hospitable locals, has become an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists seeking diverse business professionals can leverage this opportunity to explore potential collaborations and investments in one of Southeast Asia's dynamic economies.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. 2 The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street. 2
The Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
British tourists barred from Denmark because border police get passport rules wrong
As the main summer season for Scandinavia gets under way, British travellers holding passports valid for travel to Denmark may be turned away – because the nation insists on rules that are tougher than the Schengen area, to which it belongs. The millions of British travellers who have passports valid for longer than 10 years run the risk of being refused entry to Denmark even if their documents comply with EU rules. The Boris Johnson government negotiated for UK citizens to become 'third-country nationals' following the Brexit vote. As a result, British passports must pass two tests for travel to the European Union and wider Schengen area: Under 10 years old on the day of arrival to the Schengen area At least three months remaining on the intended day of departure As the European Commission has repeatedly confirmed to The Independent, these rules are independent of each other. For example, a British traveller with a passport issued on 1 July 2015 and valid to 1 April 2016 could travel to a Schengen area nation up to 30 June 2025 for a stay of up to 90 days (the maximum allowed for third-country nationals). But after The Independent investigated the case of a passenger who was turned away from the Norwegian airline from London Gatwick to Copenhagen even though her papers were in order, it has emerged that Denmark is applying its own set of rules. The authorities are combining the two validity rules, even though that is incorrect. Copenhagen police insist that a British passport must 'be no older than nine years and nine months from the date of issuance'. They say: 'Schengen also does not recognise extensions of 10-year passports. Once the document is nine years and nine months old from the date of issuance, it is invalid.' As The Independent has repeatedly pointed out to the Danish authorities, such a policy contravenes the Schengen area rules. A spokesperson for the European Commission in Brussels confirmed: 'Denmark is bound by the relevant Schengen rules and the interpretation given in the Practical Handbook for Border Guards like any other Schengen State.' The handbook says a passport 'must have been issued within the previous 10 years'. It stresses: "The requirement that the travel document must have been issued within the previous ten years must be fulfilled at the day of entry (but not necessarily during the stay), provided that its validity extends until the end of the stay plus three months.' Norwegian, the airline, continues to turn away British passengers from flights to Denmark whose passports are valid but which contravene the rules confected by the Danish authorities. The carrier links London Gatwick and Edinburgh with Copenhagen. Last month, police in Norway confirmed that they had wrongly deported a British tourist because border officials misunderstood the rules. The visitor was detained for three hours and put on a flight back to Edinburgh the following morning. A spokesperson for Norwegian said: 'We regret the disruption to our passengers due to inconsistent interpretation of Schengen passport rules by the Nordic countries. 'As an airline, we must comply with local border control directives, which are currently unclear. We have urged the authorities to provide clear, unified guidance to airlines, in order to prevent further passenger issues and avoid penalties for our company.' Any British traveller whose passport is valid but over nine years and nine months can simply cross to Denmark from Germany or Sweden to avoid the usual border checks.
