Experts Warn EU’s New ETIAS Border System May Cause Problems

Travel industry experts are warning that a new EU-border entry system set to take effect in 2024 may lead to problems as travelers, travel agencies and authorities may not be prepared.

Under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), travelers from the US and other countries including the UK and Australia, currently allowed to enter Europe visa-free, will as of January 2024 have to pay a 7-euro (7.68 US dollars) fee to enter.

The ETIAS travel permit, which applies for a period of three years once approved and can be reused, is mandatory for travelers wishing to visit more than 60 countries in Europe and in the Schengen Area.

Although requirements are straightforward and authorities claim approvals will be quick, travelers who fail to gain ETIAS approval will not be able to board their flights or will be turned back at the EU borders leading to rebookings and possible requests for refunds.

Technology and travel experts advise that intermediaries must be on top of their game offering clear guidance on visa and entry requirements and informing that their customers of failure to abide.

Additionally, they underline the importance of staff training and clear instructions to ensure consistent processes and responses.

On the downside, market experts expect poor traveler preparation to impact the travel industry in the form of cancellations and the inevitable requests for refunds, in which case, businesses should have a payments platform in place that will seamlessly handle any volatility without costing lots of money and valuable time.

The new ETIAS requirement can also create new opportunities, say market insiders. Among these, travel insurance companies may need to develop more targeted and competitively priced policies while hotels can build ancillary revenues by charging for a visa arrangement service or using the interaction to convert sales of other products.