Are Brits going to be charged to get into Europe? Do you need a visa? What is ETIAS?
Skatz & Walter Ego tell you the facts…

The video gives you the facts and the bizarre opinions of real life Brits!

This is Walter

Skatz: What is the new ETIAS system?

Walter: Didn’t we do a video about this last week?

S: Yes, but we kept being interrupted by what Brits were saying about it, and some people on YouTube complained, so this article is just about the facts.

W: Fair enough, can I stay though?

S: You’re fine, you can ask the questions the reader wants to know.

W: Smashin’!

S: So, will British expats have to pay for a visa to travel into the EU?

W: They will, I read it in the paper!

S: Well, there certainly has been an uproar in the papers and on social media about ETIAS, the visa waiver system for Europe, which will be implemented soon.

W: When?

S: We don’t know the date yet, but originally they said it will be fully implemented by May 2023.

W: Fully implemented? So when’s it going to be partly implemented?

S: Good point, it sounds like there’s going to be a gradual process of bringing it in from sometime this year.

W: Okay, and you’ll let me know?

S: Absolutely, you’ll be the first to know right here on YouTooSpain.

W: Thank you, you’re a darlin’.

S: And so are you. Let’s get the official facts then so you can be fully informed about what it is, what it does, and who it’s for.

W: Go ahead then, fire away, tell me about this visa.

S: Well, for a start it’s not a visa, it’s called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, so it’s actually a visa waiver

S: Er, that’s waiver with an i, and it will allow eligible visitors to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or to pass through

W: So is it for everyone that doesn’t have an EU passport? 

S: No, it’s only for citizens of the same 63 non-EU countries that didn’t need a visa to get into Europe before.

W: Like the UK?

S: Yes, the UK became part of that group of countries when it left the EU.

W: Is it like the American visa waiver?

S: Exactly, it’s just like the ESTA visa waiver that many nationalities need to get before travelling to the United States of America.

W: So it’s not a new thing then?

S: No, it’s not a new thing. In fact, the UK was part of setting it all up well before Brexit when we were still part of the EU. The British government were part of setting it up.

W: I see. My neighbour says Europe is doing it to have a go at us.

S: Let’s keep the rumours and opinions out of this article shall we?

W: Fair enough. Tell me what ETIAS is for then.

S: Okay. Let’s show you a picture that will help.

S: The ETIAS system is designed to save travellers time and hassle at the borders, improve border management, complement the visa liberalisation policy, prevent irregular migration and reinforce the fight against crime and terrorism

W: Sounds big and costly, how much are they going to charge us? 

S: The fee for the visa waiver is €7, that’s about £5.

W: A fiver? It costs $21 to get the American one.

S: Yeah, and that one doesn’t last for 3 years like ETIAS will.

W: Three years for a fiver? They won’t make millions out of that scheme.

S: No they won’t, it’s actually going to cost them more than that to administrate it.

W: Oh, and I thought they were doing it to make money out of us.

S: It doesn’t look like it does it?

W: No, I suppose we have to make an appointment at the embassy though and wait for ages like you have to for a visa

S: No, you apply for it online, it takes about 10 minutes

W: That’s a bit quick! Whatever happened to all that bureaucracy we like to complain about?

S: They’ve filed it away in a drawer somewhere. In triplicate.

W: Very droll. What information do you have to put online?

S: Good question, first of all, there’s the biometric information like name, date of birth and place of birth.

W: Britain!

S: Indeed. Then there’s information about your citizenship, like address, email, phone number, education & work experience

W: I’m very experienced!

S: And also the first European country you intend to visit, and some background and eligibility questions like criminal record, medical condition, whether you’ve travelled to war countries or you’ve been deported or rejected from anywhere

W: What about children and old people, do they have to apply as well?

S: Yes, but if you’re a minor, your legal guardian must do the application for you

W: Is it the same fee?

S: No, it’s free to under 18’s and over 70s, you’ll still need to fill it in but there’s no fee.

W: Anything else?

S: Yes, if you’re a family member of an EU citizen from other countries, you’ll need proof of relationship, residence card and other background information.

W: And that’s all?

S: Yeah, once you’ve filled it in, you’ll pay the fee and submit the application

W: How long does it take to find out whether you’re okay?

S: If you’ve filled it in correctly and you’re eligible with no risk factors, you’ll be approved within a few minutes

W: What if there’s an issue?

S: If there’s an issue, your application will be processed manually, which could take a few days, or at most 2 weeks

W: What if my application is denied?

S: Well, you can adjust your application if you’ve made a mistake or missed something out or your ID has expired, or you can appeal the decision.

W: Are there any documents I need?

S: Just your passport and a separate passport photo.

W: That sounds easy. Anything else I need to know?

S: Well, it’s important that you enter the Schengen Area through the country you put in your application. After you enter you can visit other Schengen countries during your 90 days.

W: Does it work for all European countries?

S: Now there are countries in the EU which aren’t in the Schengen Area, and you can’t use ETIAS for those. Check on the ETIAS website, there’s a link below, to find out which these are.

W: What about countries like Croatia?

S: Well, it looks like that small group of countries that weren’t part of the 90/180 rule are going to be subject to ETIAS too, so you won’t be able to skip in and out of those to stay in Europe anymore.

W: Sounds like there’s more I need to know.

S: There’s always more to know, but if you want more information, I’ve put links to the official website and other very helpful websites below

W: Thank you, you are very helpful.

S: You sound a little surprised!

W: Well, you can’t be British and not be cynical these days!

S: Well, we can try can’t we?

W: It’s alright for you, you’re Irish!

S: That’s right, I’m quite smug about that.

W: That reminds me, what happens if you’re living in Spain and you’ve got your TIE card, will you still need to apply?

S: No, if you’re a resident of Spain with a residency card, you won’t need to obtain a visa waiver to get into Spain.

W: Well that’s good news. 

S: It is. I think it’s about time to say goodbye now, unless you have any more questions?

W: I do. What happened to all them very angry people from the ETIAS video?

S: I don’t know. Most people thought they were quite entertaining, what did you think, readers? Tell us in the comments.

W: Do you think they’ll be back?

S: That’s up to the viewers, but I think you’re safe Walter, most people love you.

W: Aw I’m going to get emotional now.

S: Careful, that’s not a very Northern thing to do.

W: Aye well, the world is changin’.

S: You’re right there. 

W: Can I buy you a cup of coffee?

S: You can buy me as many as you want on this website right here.

W: I’m going to join the mailing list on there too.

S: You Too Spain dot com

W: Hey, that’s my line!

S: Go on then.

W: You Too Spain dot com

S: Much better. Shall I do my hippie line now?

W: Oh alright, if you must.

S: That’s very cool and groovy of you Walter, peace and love to you.

W: And you.

S: See you in the next article, everybody dance now

Article by Skatz & his alter ego, Walter Ego