In travel news for September 26, 2023 we talk about the most recent delays for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, Amsterdam is looking to tax travelers passing through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Iceland is considering a tourist tax to mitigate the environmental impact of travelers.
EU Delays ETIAS Travel System to 2025
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), initially anticipated to be operational by 2024, has experienced another delay, pushing its expected launch to 2025. This delay is mainly due to the interdependence of the system with the Entry/Exit System (EES), another border security mechanism, whose operation is crucial for to the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The Entry/Exit System primary role is to register non-EU travelers at external borders, enhancing overall border security within the European Union. The delays have sparked discussions on decoupling the two systems to expedite implementation. This development underscores the complexity and challenges associated with deploying sophisticated border control systems designed to balance security with the facilitation of travel across the Schengen Zone.
Amsterdam Mulls Tax on Transit Flights
Amsterdam’s government is contemplating the implementation of a transfer tax on airline passengers transiting through the city, even if they do not stay. Part of a broader strategy to decongest Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, this tax Proposal, equivalent to $56, has received substantial approval from the House of Representatives in the Netherlands. The aim is to cap the number of flights and use the tax proceeds for energy costs, aligning with the government’s environmental goals. This move could alter the competitive landscape as most European airports do not impose such a tax. Vendors at the airport and other airlines are likely to oppose this proposition, using it as a differentiating factor.
Iceland to Implement Eco-Conscious Tax
The Prime Minister of Iceland has proposed a new, initially modest, Travel Tax to mitigate the environmental impacts of tourism, a sector accounting for six percent of the country’s GDP. With tourism in Iceland experiencing exponential growth in the past decade, pressures on the nation’s unspoiled nature and climate are increasing. This tax is part of Iceland’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, reflecting a broader global trend of implementing such fees. Venice and Bali are also introducing similar measures, charging day-trippers and international tourists, respectively, to fund environmental and cultural preservation efforts. These evolving policies illustrate the growing recognition of the need for sustainable tourism practices worldwide.