Currently, Australians can enter Europe just using their passport, but a new system will soon require a visa before arriving.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is similar to the US Esta. An Etias will be required for entry to the European Schengen Area, which includes the majority of European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The only European Union countries not in the Schengen Area are the UK, Ireland and Cypros.
The Etias will cost about $11.50 (7 Euro) and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It will be available online and through…