New EU Visa Date & cost revealed Plus Free Visas to Sri Lanka

Plane Inside EU Flag. Picture Credit: Canva
Travellers planning to visit Europe and Sri Lanka soon should be aware of important changes regarding entry requirements. Here’s a summary of the latest updates:
 

EU Announces New Entry-Exit System and Visa Costs

Starting 10 November 2024, the European Union will launch a new biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) for travellers without EU passports. This new system will involve fingerprint registration and photograph collection on arrival, replacing the traditional passport stamping. The digital checks will streamline travel and enhance security at every entry point – whether by air, sea, or land.

The EES will apply to both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers. According to EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson, this new system will help monitor who enters and exits the Schengen Area, ensuring better management of irregular migration and improving security by identifying criminals or terrorists using fake passports.

Following the EES launch, the EU will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the first half of 2025. Similar to the US ESTA system, ETIAS will require visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including the UK, to pay €7 for an electronic travel authorisation valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This will be mandatory for visitors aged 18 to 70 who intend to enter any of the 30 European countries participating in the scheme.

However, concerns have been raised within the travel industry about potential disruptions. Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, and Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, warned that a lack of readiness and staffing at borders could lead to lengthy queues and confusion among travellers.
 

Sri Lanka to Offer Free Visas to British Tourists

In a bid to boost tourism, Sri Lanka will introduce free tourist visas from 1 October 2024 for visitors from 35 countries, including the UK. This will be part of a six-month pilot programme allowing tourists to stay for up to 30 days without paying for a visa.

Initially, Sri Lanka announced plans for a visa-free policy, but it later clarified that while visas would still be required, they would be issued at no cost during the pilot period. Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana expressed hopes that Sri Lanka could eventually adopt a more permanent visa-free policy similar to countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This initiative has been hailed as a “game-changing blueprint for Sri Lanka’s future” by Sam Clark, CEO of Experience Travel Group. It presents a unique opportunity for British tourists and others to explore Sri Lanka's rich culture, natural beauty, and heritage without the hassle of visa fees.
 

What This Means for Travellers

For those planning a trip to Europe or Sri Lanka, these changes mean new processes and potential cost savings:

• Europe: Be prepared for digital border checks from November 2024 and budget for the €7 ETIAS fee from 2025 if you are travelling to the EU from a visa-exempt country.
• Sri Lanka: Take advantage of the free visa programme starting in October 2024 to explore Sri Lanka at a reduced cost, but remember that you still need to apply for a visa.

These updates are crucial for planning upcoming travels and avoiding any surprises at the border. Make sure to stay informed and prepare accordingly for a smooth journey.
 

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