EU to change entry rules for Ukrainians, and Venice, Amsterdam and Paris to become "more expensive": what awaits tourists in 2024

If you are already planning a trip to Europe in 2024, be prepared for some changes in the rules for entering certain countries. In particular, in the new year, a new system of entry to the EU may be launched, which provides for tighter control at the borders of the Schengen area. Among other things, one will have to obtain a special permit and pay an additional 7 euros for it.

Experts also emphasize that some countries and individual cities will become more expensive in 2024. In Paris, for example, where the Summer Olympics will be held, prices will increase by 85% during the period of sports competitions, according to preliminary estimates of economists. This was reported by the Mirror.

New system of entry to the EU - EES

In 2024, Ukrainians and citizens of other non-EU countries may face a new automated IT system when crossing the external borders of European countries. Tourists will have to submit fingerprints and biometric facial data, which will dramatically increase the time it takes to pass control at airports, railway terminals, and ports.

This system was planned to be implemented even earlier, but now it is to be launched in October 2024. Some EU countries have been trying to integrate their border systems with the central database, so the implementation of EES has been regularly postponed. In addition, France asked to postpone the changes until after the Olympic Games as a large influx of tourists is expected to come to the country, and the new system, or rather the lack of awareness of its use, could cause delays and inconvenience.

The main advantage of EES is time savings. There will be no passport stamp, and travelers will have to scan their passports or other travel documents themselves when they cross the EU's external border. It is clear that at first, this will take even more time, as tourists will have to familiarize themselves with the new rules in practice.

The new entry and exit scheme will apply to all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland. It will also be adopted by non-EU Schengen countries: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

ETIAS online authorization

The next step is to introduce the ETIAS permit for travel to the European Union for citizens of countries that are allowed visa-free entry, including Ukrainians. Ukraine is on the list of more than 60 countries the citizens of which will need to obtain this document. This is likely to happen in 2025, six months after the introduction of the EES. The ETIAS permit is tied to a person's passport and is valid for three years or until the passport expires. If a person receives a new passport, a new ETIAS permit will be required.

With this permit, you can enter the territory of European countries any number of times. However, the total time spent in the EU is limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. You will have to pay 7 euros for the permit.

ETIAS is a travel information and authorization system for the EU. The main goal is to prevent the entry into the EU of persons who may pose a threat to public order, national security or international relations of the Schengen member states.

Tourist taxes

Many tourist cities around the world are struggling with how to control the number of travelers. Some are resorting to additional taxes to increase revenue from visitors and limit their number.

The most significant tax will be introduced in Venice, where those who come for one day will be charged a €5 entry fee. About 30 million tourists visit the water city every year, which creates many problems for the 50,000 people who live there.

Starting in January 2024, tourists in Paris will also have to pay a fee that is almost 200% higher than the current price. Amsterdam authorities are raising the tax to 12.5% of the cost of a hotel room, making it the highest in the world per night.

The Spanish city of Valencia has also announced plans to introduce a tourist tax for travelers staying in hotels, apartments, campsites, and hostels. The fee will range from 0.50 to 2 euros per night.

It is worth researching the specific destination you plan to visit before booking your accommodation as the cost of the fee can add a significant amount to the cost of your vacation, especially if you are traveling with a family or company.

In addition, as we have already mentioned, the Summer Olympics will be held in Paris next year. If you are going or planning to be in the city during the games for other reasons, this will likely affect your experience for many reasons, including a significant rise in the price of everything.

Single metro rides will cost 4 euros, almost double the usual price. A daily or weekly Paris 2024 transport pass will be introduced. Those who live in the city will not be affected by the price increase. According to a Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb and published in April, prices in the Hauts-de-France region (Paris) will increase by 85% during the Games.

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