Do I need a Schengen visa of Etias? Making a decision on which one to go for cannot be done in isolation but based on your nationality. This is because there are visitors who can enter Europe without visas and those who cannot based on their passports. Due to the introduction of the new ETIAS program, a lot is about to change, and this will affect trips to Europe for some, but not all, travelers. Below we explore the Schengen visa and ETIAS program so you can make the right choice as you plan your upcoming trip.
Etias
Let’s set the ball rolling with ETIAS.
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System, a visa waiver introduced by the European Commission and passed by the European Parliament. The project started immediately and took more than 5 years to complete. Then in late 2022, the Commission announced that the System was set to be tested in 2023 for six months before it will be launched full scale by 2024.
During the transitional stage, travelers from Visa free countries will be allowed to visit Europe without it though they will be encouraged to apply for it. However, after the transitional stage ends, it will become mandatory for such travelers to hold ETIAS to enter Europe.
Etias is going to be deployed to protect Europe from criminal elements. In light of recent terrorist attacks and the increase of illegal migrations or legal visitors overstaying in host countries, the Commission hopes to reduce such risks. Furthermore, the effect of the COVID-19 virus exposed the lapses of the health systems of most EU countries, so they hope to use ETIAS to track visitors coming from vulnerable countries and to prevent them from entry.
Etias is valid for 3 years and allows the holder to stay in Europe for 90 days within a 6 months period. The application fee is €7 for travelers between the age of 18-70 but is free for minors and those above 70.
Requirements For ETIAS
The paperwork for Etias is not as much as that for Schengen visas. All the applicant needs is a valid passport covering their trip to Europe, a return ticket to their home country, and financial proof that they can afford to cover their expenses. Etias application is done online and doesn’t require trips to embassies. You can apply for it in VisaHQ by doing the following
Visit VisaHQ
Select your citizenship
Select the EU country you wish to visit
Choose Etias
Fill out the form with the correct details
Attach your passport bio page
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
The System takes only a few minutes to scan your details, and if you pose no risk, the visa waiver will be sent to your email.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a uniform Visa issued by European countries that are members of the Schengen zone. 27 countries can issue this Visa, with Croatia set to join the fold in 2024 once it becomes an official member. The Schengen visa is called a uniform Visa because it is recognized by all Schengen countries, including non Schengen countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. Even countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, which are Schengen states but not European Union members, recognize the Visa.
Due to the signing of the Schengen Agreement by member states, holders of this Visa can travel to all the other states with the same Visa. Schengen visas are valid for 180 days and allow the holder to stay within the region for 90 days counting from the first day they set foot in Europe. The Republic of Ireland is the only country that doesn’t recognize this visa.
Schengen Visa requirements
Valid passport (3 months minimum and two empty pages)
Two recent passport sized photographs
Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage minimum)
Proof of financial means
Proof of accommodation
Cover letter
Invitation letter, where applicable
Two way flight ticket
Other documents may be required.
How you apply for this Visa will depend on your nationality. Some applicants may apply online, but those that cannot visit the embassy of the EU country they wish to visit to file their application. The application fee is €40 for 12-17 year olds and €80 for 18-80 year olds. Those above 80 and under 12 do not pay application fees.
Do I Need A Schengen Visa To Etias?
Now that you know the difference between Etias and the Schengen visa, which one should you go for? Do I need a Schengen visa or ETIAS? That will depend on your nationality. If you come from a Visa-free country, you need Etias, not a Schengen visa, but if not, you will need a visa instead. For visa-free travelers, visit VisaHQ to complete the ETIAS form now.