Listed: Countries where Brits need new travel permit to go abroad

Brits travelling abroad for both sunny getaways and business trips will soon need new travel permits.

The ETIAS scheme, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be linked to your passport and is needed for any short-term stay in specific countries. The scheme was due to come into effect in November – but has been postponed and is expected in the new year.

European Union officials said the ETIAS scheme is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a list of 30 European countries, which include holiday hotspots such as Italy, Spain, Croatia, and France. Birmingham Live reports.

READ MORE: ‘No overnight job’: Council confirms B&M will still take over ‘abandoned’ Marks and Spencer

European Union officials said: ” ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

“With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.”

The 30 countries where people from the UK and a number of other nations will need an ETIAS are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

People are advised to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of their planned journey, in case they are asked to provide additional information or documentation or attend an interview. Once you have applied, you will receive an email confirming your application and including a unique ETIAS application number.

A further email will be sent when your application has been processed. Travellers need to make sure their name, passport number and other information are correct on the ETIAS application because any mistakes will mean you are not allowed to cross the border.

If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal. An exact date for the start of the ETIAS scheme has not been announced but it’s thought it could come into effect in the middle of 2024 just as the summer holiday season gets into full swing.