Millions of people visiting Europe will have to complete a €5 (£4.30) online security check before arrival, under an EU plan to crack down on terrorists and other criminals.

The online system targets travellers permitted to enter Europe without visas, and would check identity documents and residence details against a variety of EU security and crime databases.

Filling out the form should take less than 10 minutes, according to the European Commission, which has put forward the proposal.

It will be valid for five years and multiple trips.

Bataclan reopens one year after terrorists opened fire

EU officials hope the screening can close loopholes at its borders for violent militants, criminals and would-be illegal immigrants.


The move follows Islamic State attacks in France and Belgium as well as the chaotic mass arrival of migrants and refugees in Greece.

"By spotting problem individuals and stopping them from coming, we'll enhance Europe's internal security," said the EU's security commissioner, Julian King.

Named ETIAS, the system would apply to people from 60 countries who can visit Europe's Schengen area for short trips without first applying for a visa.

As such, it would include Americans and, depending on what arrangements London negotiates for leaving the EU, potentially Britons, too.

It would also address European concerns over plans to expand visa-free travel to two big neighbours, Turkey and Ukraine.

The screening is similar to the US ESTA system, which is valid for two years and costs $14 (£11). In Canada, travellers have to submit to online screening called eTA.

The EU proposal now needs approval from governments and the European Parliament.

It is intended to be self-financing through the application fee.

The Commission estimates set-up costs at around €200m (£172m) and annual running costs at €85m (£73m).

On Sunday, France marked one year since IS extremists killed 130 people in the country's deadliest attacks, including 90 at the Bataclan concert hall.