Australians Will Need Online Approval Before Entering Europe From 2021

Travelling to Europe is about to become a tiny bit more difficult.

For Australians, travelling to Europe for a trip less than three months has been relatively seamless, in that you don't need to go through the process of applying for a ghastly visa.

But that's about to change. Slightly.

A new process called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been introduced and it's set to begin from 2021.

Basically, for Australians (and those in 60 other countries around the world), to enter the Schengen Zone visa-free for 90 days, you'll now need to complete the ETIAS form online. (The Schengen Zone consists of 26 countries in Europe that have essentially canned their border control between one another to operate as one.) 

The ETIAS is set to function in a similar way to the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process; a system Aussies need to apply for when travelling to the US, which requires you to fill out an online form with your details, and then pay a fee.

The ETIAS fee is €7 (or about $AUD11). If there are no issues with your ETIAS application, it's processed instantly, and remains valid for three years.

But, if there are any issues, a manual reviewal process will begin, which will take between four days and two weeks. 

The ETIAS won't just affect Australians, with 60 other countries including New Zealand, United States and Canada also affected.

While Brexit is still up in the air, it could also apply to UK citizens too once decisions are made, making things a little err, awkward. (The UK will be among the very few European countries required to complete the process too.)

Welcome to the future.

Header Image: iStock.com/warrengoldswain