Most Brits don’t know about new rule that will cost you money on your holidays

MOST Brits aren’t aware that starting next year, they will have to pay extra to visit popular holiday destinations.

A new rule means that Brits will be charged €7 (£6) to visit the Schengen Area as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which is scheduled to begin next year.

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The new EU rule comes into force in November 2023 and it is estimated that it could cost holiday makers collectively €275 million (£240m) each year.

Worryingly, new research has revealed that 65 per cent of Brits haven’t even heard of ETIAS, which is being brought in specifically for short trips to the EU. 

Just seven per cent of Brits know the cost and date for the introduction of the new visa-waiver, which suggests people could get caught-out by the new travel rules.

As part of the rule, millions of Brits will be required to apply for visa-waivers each year.

They will need to complete online applications before travelling to the Schengen Area, costing €7 per person to obtain the paperwork.

The Schengen Area guarantees free movement for most EU countries and includes popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, and Greece.

However, as the UK sits outside of the area, Brits travelling abroad to Europe will need to pay the fare.

The new travel rules are expected to come into force in November 2023. Each visa-waiver will remain valid for 90 days.

The survey, carried out by Direct Line Travel Insurance, found that 82 per cent of holidaymakers say more should be done to publicise the new travel rules.

Almost two thirds (62 per cent) believe the EU and UK government should both be doing more to publicise the visa-waiver scheme, with few aware of the changes.

The majority of holidaymakers say they will not be put off travelling abroad by the new travel rules, despite the added cost.

The price would need to rise to nearly €29 per person per visa-waiver before it would deter British holidaymakers from booking a trip to Europe.

Tom Bishop, Head of Direct Line Travel Insurance said: “Low awareness of the EU visa-waiver scheme is concerning and shows there is not enough education around the new rules.

“People feel the authorities should be doing more to publicise the visa-waiver scheme.

“It seems sensible to use the remaining months until the new rules come into force to ensure people know about the visa-waiver, including how and when to apply.

“This would be especially relevant for those travellers with limited online access who may not have access to finding this information as easily as others.

“Further clarity would provide peace of mind for people planning their next holiday abroad.”

Meanwhile, these hidden holiday costs mean Brits spend much more than they need to when travelling.

And these travel experts revealed the silliest things they’ve been charged for while on holidays.

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