More expensive for international students going to Europe from 2023

From 2023, anyone who wants to travel to Europe from a country which didn’t previously require a visa, will have to pay an extra fee.

If you’re an international student planning to study or move around the EU, you will need to apply and get what’s called an ETIAS approval. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System and modelled after the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (or ESTA).

The cost? Seven euros. It’s expected to go into effect in May 2023.

Note that this is not a visa — more of a quick, online application with no biometric information needed. Most applications — more than 95% of cases — will be approved within minutes, according to The European Commission.

“ETIAS will be a largely automated IT system created to identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen States, whilst at the same time facilitate crossing borders for the vast majority of travellers who do not pose such risks,” the European Commission wrote on its website. “Non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorisation through the ETIAS system prior to their trip.”

Border guards will check the authorisation along with other travel documents, like a passport. Your authorisation to travel to Europe will be valid for three years (or until the expiry date of your travel document).

Note that the ETIAS does not substitute the Schengen visa.

Do I still need a study visa?

You’ll likely still need a study visa of some sort, in addition to your ETIAS approval to travel to Europe.  There will be different rules and policies according to the EU country you’re studying at, but they usually require you to show up at an embassy or consulate with supporting documents, such as letter of offer from your uni, proof that you have enough funds for the duration of your programme and relevant health insurance.

What if you’re taking a short-term course that lasts less than 90 days? According to Etias.com — not an official EC site — you’ll not need anything more than a valid passport.

People spend time out in the sun in Berlin on April 16, 2022. Source: Tobias Schwarz/AFP

How much does it cost to travel to Europe in 2022-23?

The Chinese yuan, Indian rupee and US dollar are gaining against the euro. However, other factors make travel to Europe more expensive than in previous months. Flights prices are going up, reported DW.

“Overall, the cost of gas is rising and the oil price is at record levels. Guests are also feeling this in the prices of airline tickets, which are becoming more expensive as a result,” Johanna Tillmann of the German airline Condor told DW.

“In addition, we currently see the result of pent-up demand for vacation travel. This has an impact on the pricing of flight tickets and accommodation, particularly in the high season, because (such prices) are based on demand,” explained Tillmann.

Hotels, dealing with more expensive oil, gas, electricity and food and worker shortages, are reportedly passing on costs to guests too.