The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization system that is set to revolutionize the way travellers from visa-exempt countries visit Europe. It is expected to be fully operational by 2024.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It is designed to strengthen the security of the European Union (EU) borders, streamline procedures, and manage who is entering EU borders more effectively. The system will gather, keep track of, and update necessary information regarding visitors to determine whether it is safe for them to enter Schengen countries.
Why ETIAS?
The primary reason for the approval of the ETIAS authorization is security. With the increased risk of travellers worldwide, the EU wants to ensure safe travel within its countries. The ETIAS will decrease security concerns substantially through its information and data-gathering systems. This means that the ETIAS will detect if a person is a threat in any way to the security of Schengen countries.
Who Will Need ETIAS?
ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries. This includes countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada[^1^]. There are currently 63 countries that are not in the EU but are visa-free.
How Will ETIAS Work?
The ETIAS must be applied online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. The application will require personal biometric data (e.g., name, gender, date of birth, etc.), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record, as well as previous EU immigration history.
How Much Will ETIAS Cost?
The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.
What you need to apply
Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.
When filling out the application, you will need to have your travel document and a payment card at hand. You will also be asked to provide your personal information. You can apply using the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.
Travel documents
To apply, you will need a valid travel document to which a visa may be affixed.
Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years. If your document expires sooner, check here to know how it affects your travel.
A travel document which does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process. It may also pose problems when a carrier verifies your travel authorisation prior to boarding. If you have any doubt about whether your travel document entitles you to cross the borders of the European countries requiring ETIAS (and to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation), please check the European Council’s website and the lists the European Commission has published here and here.
Not all travel documents are accepted for ETIAS
Specific requirements apply to travel documents issued by some countries and special administrative regions, entities and territorial authorities that are not recognised as states by at least one European country requiring ETIAS. These requirements have an impact on whether holders of such travel documents are required to have an ETIAS or are obliged to apply for a visa to enter any of these European countries.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro
If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
If you hold a biometric passport issued by the respective country authorities in line with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Serbia
If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, or you hold a passport issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (‘Koordinaciona uprava’), you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Hong Kong S.A.R.
If you hold a 'Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Macao S.A.R.
If you hold a ‘Região Administrativa Especial de Macau’ passport you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Taiwan
If you hold a passport issued by Taiwan which includes an identity card number, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Information
When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parent's first names, email address and phone number;
- Travel document details;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject to a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
You will need to declare that the data you submit and the statements you make are correct. You will also need to confirm that you understand the entry conditions to the territories of the European countries requiring ETIAS and that you may be requested to provide the relevant supporting documents each time you cross the external border.
If someone is submitting the application on your behalf, that person will have to provide their surname, first name(s), the name and contact details of the organisation or firm (if applicable), as well as information on their relationship to you and a confirmation that this person and you have signed the declaration of representation.
Applications for minors (under 18 years of age) have to be submitted by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of ETIAS is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of both EU citizens and visitors to the EU. It will not only strengthen border security but also improve the management of EU country borders, assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism, impede irregular migration, and reinforce the visa liberalization policy of the EU.
So, if you're planning a trip to Europe in 2024 or beyond, make sure to keep an eye on the latest ETIAS updates to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Sources:
ETIAS News & Information For Visitors Coming To Europe
ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System