New ETIAS visa fee for British citizens travelling to Europe in 2025

Thinking of heading to Europe for a motorsport event in 2025? Maybe an F1 Grand Prix, a MotoGP trip or a pilgrimage to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Well you’re going to need an ETIAS visa.

The good news is that this scheme, originally planned for 2024, will now come into place in 2025 at the earliest.

It will mean an extra bit of paperwork for motorsports events in the 2025 season. It’s worth being informed and aware ahead of the changes. We’re here to clarify any doubts you may have about the new visa, its costs, and implications for British travellers.

What is the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS visa, imposed by the European Union (EU), will be required for British citizens travelling to Europe. You do not currently need an ETIAS visa to go to Europe, but travellers will be required to have one from January 2024.

Following the finalisation of Brexit on 31 January 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the European Union. After a transition period lasting until 31 December 2020, new rules regarding travel and immigration came into effect for British citizens wishing to visit EU countries.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will need to be applied for online ahead of travel, and presented at passport control.

The ETIAS application process will require British citizens to provide personal information, travel details, and answer security-related questions. Once approved, the ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries over a period of three years or until the passport’s expiration, whichever comes first. This streamlining of procedures is expected to expedite entry at border crossings, enhancing the overall travel experience.

British citizens are required to pay a visa fee when travelling to Europe for short stays. The visa fee applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) fee.

How much is the fee?

The good news is that the extra cost is unlikely to break the bank. The ETIAS fee for British citizens will be €7 (around £6) per applicant. under 18s and over 70s can apply for a free permit. More good news is that the visa will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires, if that happens first.

This fee must be paid at the time of application and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the authorisation is approved or denied.

The application process is straightforward. British travellers can apply for the ETIAS online through the official EU website. It is advisable to apply a few weeks before the intended travel date to allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Which countries will I need the ETIAS visa for?

If you have a trip planned to one of the following countries in 2024, you will have to apply for the ETIAS visa. Marked in bold are the countries that may host the corresponding motorsport event:

FORMULA 1 | MOTOGP | WEC | WRC | DTM
Austria | Austria | Austria | Austria | Austria
Belgium | Belgium | Belgium | Belgium | Belgium
Bulgaria | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | Bulgaria
Croatia | Croatia | Croatia | Croatia | Croatia
Cyprus | Cyprus | Cyprus | Cyprus | Cyprus
Czechia | Czechia | Czechia | Czechia | Czechia
Estonia | Estonia | Estonia | Estonia | Estonia
Finland | Finland | Finland | Finland | Finland
France | France | France | France | France
Germany | Germany | Germany | Germany | Germany
Greece | Greece | Greece | Greece | Greece
Hungary | Hungary | Hungary | Hungary | Hungary
Iceland | Iceland | Iceland | Iceland | Iceland
Italy | Italy | Italy | Italy | Italy
Latvia | Latvia | Latvia | Latvia | Latvia
Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein
Lithuania | Lithuania | Lithuania | Lithuania | Lithuania
Luxembourg | Luxembourg | Luxembourg | Luxembourg | Luxembourg
Malta | Malta | Malta | Malta | Malta
Netherlands | Netherlands | Netherlands | Netherlands | Netherlands
Norway | Norway | Norway | Norway | Norway
Poland | Poland | Poland | Poland | Poland
Portugal | Portugal | Portugal | Portugal | Portugal
Romania | Romania | Romania | Romania | Romania
Slovakia | Slovakia | Slovakia | Slovakia | Slovakia
Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia
Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia | Slovenia
Spain | Spain | Spain | Spain | Spain
Sweden | Sweden | Sweden | Sweden | Sweden
Switzerland | Switzerland | Switzerland | Switzerland | Switzerland

Implications for British Travellers

The recent changes may have several implications for British travellers planning to visit Europe for motorsport events. The additional cost, albeit relatively modest, should be factored into travel budgets, and if you forget to do the visa you will be denied entry.

While the ETIAS simplifies entry procedures, travellers must ensure they meet all the requirements and provide accurate information during the application process to avoid potential delays or denials.

It is strongly advised that British citizens stay up to date on any changes in the visa requirements and travel regulations, as they may evolve over time.

Having said all that, there is no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy incredible trips to Europe to see the spectacle of Formula 1 against the various stunning backdrops across the continent.

You still have one more year to travel to Europe without an ETIAS visa – so why not check out the Formula 1 Grand Prix already on sale for 2024?