EU visa waiver scheme 'a threat to travel sector', warns Spanish tourism boss

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) has been under discussion for several years and is now expected to be implemented in November, along with new biometric checks.

Etias waivers will be charged at €7 (approximately £6) per prospective third country non-EU visitor, which post-Brexit includes UK residents, and will last for three years.

Juan Molas, president of Spanish tourist group Mesa del Turismo, said the regime risked undermining the country’s tourism sector and could "pose a threat to the competitiveness" of the industry.

The Independent quotes the organisation as saying: "We are especially concerned about the impact of this tax on British tourism, our main issuing market with 18 million arrivals in 2019.

"It must also be taken into account that the measure – if it goes ahead – will be added to the rest of local taxes that the tourist is already paying to visit certain European cities."