Public not aware of EU visa scheme

NINE in 10 British holidaymakers are in the dark about a new EU scheme that will require them to pay €7 (£6) per person to visit most European countries.

A report has warned few people know about the upcoming charges, which take effect from November next year and are expected to collectively cost British citizens €275million per year.

Yet 93 per cent of people in Britain have not heard of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias) or were unsure about the details, insurer Direct Line said.

Etias is scheduled to start in 12 months’ time for shorttrips to the EU and closely resembles the Electronic System for Travel Authorization that holidaymakers must fill out to enter America.

The Etias system applies to all non-european travellers and each €7 visa-waiver permits the holder a 90-day stay. Once a traveller has been approved they will not have to apply for another visawaiver for three years.