European Parliament approves draft rules to introduce European Travel and Authorisation System

European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee approved (19-Oct-2017) draft rules to adjust rules for third country nationals exempt from visa requirements entering the Schengen area. Dubbed the "European Travel and Authorisation System (ETIAS)", travellers will need to apply for a travel authorisation before coming to the EU. The Committee stated:

• Travellers posing a risk to security will be refused;
• Fee of EUR10 euros, authorisation valid for three years for unlimited trips;
• Electronic application to be processed in less than 72 hours.

The costs of developing ETIAS are estimated at EUR212.1 million, and the average annual cost at EUR85 million. The system could be operational in 2020. Once confirmed by Parliament as a whole, negotiators will be able to open talks with EU Ministers on the final form of the legislation. [more - original PR]