Travellers face EU visa fee

Scottish holidaymakers have been warned that they will have to pay to enter EU countries from next year as part of postBrexit rule changes.

Scots planning to visit the Schengen Area, which includes most EU nations in mainland Europe, will have to apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System before they depart.

Scots will be charged £6 for a three-year visa to visit countries they had right to live in permanently before Brexit.

The scheme is similar to the Esta visa waiver scheme British tourists use to travel to the US.

Applicants will be asked for basic information about residence, employment, criminal records and their recent travel.

SNP MSP Rona Mackay said: “Every day, the damage done by Brexit to the livelihoods and lifestyles of ordinary Scots becomes more and more apparent. It is a catastrophe Scotland didn’t vote for.”