Applicable to about 60 countries including South Korea, the US, and the UK after EU withdrawal
Visitors aged 18-70 must pay an application fee of '7 euros'
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (EU), is delivering a speech at the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg, France. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Starting from May next year, citizens of South Korea and other major countries will need to pay a fee of 7 euros (approximately 9,560 KRW) and obtain separate online approval to travel to European Union (EU) countries.
However, the approval period will be significantly shortened, and travelers will be able to visit EU member countries unlimitedly for three years.
According to CNN on the 24th (local time), the EU Commission announced that it will implement a new travel authorization system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting May 2023.
ETIAS is a new travel authorization system that nationals of countries like South Korea and the United States, which previously could visit EU member countries visa-free, must go through when entering Europe.
This will apply to about 60 countries worldwide, including South Korea and the United States, and the United Kingdom, which left the EU due to Brexit, will also be affected by the new system.
As a result, applicants aged between 18 and 70 who wish to visit EU countries will have to pay a fee of 7 euros. The start date for accepting applications has not yet been announced.
The EU Commission explained that this system was established to manage EU borders and prevent crimes occurring at the borders.
The EU stated, "The ETIAS application process will mostly be conducted through an automated information technology (IT) system, and about 95% of applicants will receive approval within minutes after applying."
Meanwhile, Harry Huang, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said on the 23rd, "As of the 10th, 49 countries worldwide have lifted all travel restrictions related to COVID-19."
He added, "I understand that South Korea has overcome COVID-19 and many situations are returning to normal. Travel to the United States, Japan, and Europe has started, and routes are gradually recovering."
Director Huang said, "According to the latest UNWTO data, travel restrictions are disappearing, consumer confidence is increasing, and international tourism is gaining new momentum. Tourism recovery is happening especially quickly in Europe." He added, "More and more countries are lifting restrictions, and South Korea is no exception."
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