Much of the world faced intense travel restrictions that almost crippled the travel and tourism industry. For nearly a year, commercial flights were pretty much non-existent – the world almost forgot what it was like to travel. Those days are long gone, but there is still some confusion over what you need to do to get into various locations worldwide. As Europe begins to open its borders again, many people will be looking to get their hands on an attractive vacation deal, but what do you need to do to get into Europe? Keep reading to find out.
The New ETIAS Requirement
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s a new electronic authorization system that is yet to launch, but everyone without an EU passport needs to know about it. It will be similar to the ESTA form that anyone traveling to the US must carry out. In addition to covering the European Union, anyone traveling to the Schengen Area will soon need to fill out an ETIAS application form.
Recent updates state the system will launch at the end of 2022 and become mandatory by January 2023 – that should be six months after it initially goes live. Acquiring an ETIAS won’t put a dent in the wallet – charges should be €7 for people aged between 18 and 70. Anyone under the age of 18 won’t be required to fill out a form. Once acquired, people can visit anywhere in the European Union or Schengen areas for 90 days.
Checking Current Entry Requirements
The ETIAS won’t come into play for many months, but some current entry requirements may still restrict travel. For example, Spain has recently relaxed its entry requirements so that anyone fully vaccinated can enter the country freely or anyone who has had a positive COVID PCR test within the last 90 days. Children under the age of 12 don’t need proof of either vaccination or test, but children between 12 and 17 years old will need to be fully vaccinated or have negative PCR results within 72 hours of traveling.
Many countries in Europe are operating similar travel restrictions that should ease as the months go by. Click on this link to find out more about the current travel restrictions.
The All-Important Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t a mandated requirement for entering the EU, but it is recommended. Some people would wrongly assume that an EHIC card grants access to healthcare in Europe, but that only shows you’re eligible for healthcare at a potentially reduced cost. Travel insurance will cover the cost of healthcare treatment in Europe up to a specific amount.
Some people think they’re careful enough not to need travel insurance, but it actually covers more than just healthcare. Insurance can cover lost luggage, canceled flights, and hotel issues. It’s relatively inexpensive to purchase travel insurance compared to the benefits of having it.
There are so many incredible countries in Europe to explore – it’s by far one of the most popular travel destinations. Like traveling to any country, it’s essential to check the entry requirements before booking the holiday. Now is the best time to book a holiday – there are plenty of summer deals up for grabs.
