The European Commission (EC) has introduced a new security system to screen visitors coming to Schengen countries starting from November 2023 called ETIAS. Applicants will be expected to answer a set of ETIAS system application form questions accurately.
To prepare you for the new changes, we have compiled all the questions the form will contain and provide guidance on how you should answer them. We also throw more light on the system so travelers planning trips to Europe will be well prepared once the program launches by the end of this year.
Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System
The ETIAS is a unique online security system designed to screen visitors from visa-exempt countries. This system is mainly for tourist and business travelers looking to spend some time in any of the 27 Schengen as well as other non-Schengen countries in Europe, with the exception of The Republic of Ireland. This system is similar to the United States ESTA.
Starting from November 2023, travelers coming from over 50 visa exempt countries will be mandated to apply for this authorization before boarding a flight to Europe.
How Will ETIAS Work?
Once applicants fill out the application form with their details and submit it, the system will check their data against numerous European Union and global security databases for potential security, criminal and terrorist threats. Those that do not trigger any security alert will be issued the authorization within minutes via their emails. The ones that trigger a security alter will be referred to a manual security unit for further vetting.
Who Needs ETIAS?
ETIAS visa waiver is required for citizens from visa exempt countries who wish to spend a short time in Europe. If your country is on the visa exempt list and you can enter Europe without a visa, then you will need approved ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. On the other hand, if you are not from a visa exempt country and need a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen country in Europe, you are not eligible for this authorization.
How To Fill And Submit The ETIAS Form?
The form is available on VisaHQ, and you can complete it in a few minutes by doing the following
Log onto VisaHQ
Choose the Schengen countries as your destination
Choose your citizenship
Complete the form
Pay the application fee
Submit for processing
ETIAS Application Form Questions
The ETIAS application form will contain some questions that must be answered accurately and honestly. The questionnaire will have fields that must be filled out with none left empty. Here are the areas to expect and their question.
Personal Details
This section will be for your personal information, such as your full name and contact address such as your phone number, valid email address, place and date of birth, nationality, other nationalities, First names of applicant's parents, education history including primary education to higher education or none. There will also be a section for gender.
Occupation History
Information about your current job title, description, and details about your employer will be required. Applicants still in school must provide details about their college or university.
Passport Information
You will be required to provide your passport information. Only passports with at least three months' validity from the date of arrival will be accepted. The passport information section will be as follows
Passport number, type, and the country of issue
Issue date and expiry date
Name of the first country you plan to visit and hotel or house address for the first-night stay, if possible
Security Checks
The ETIAS is primarily a security screening system, so endeavor to answer this question honestly and as accurately as possible. This section will have the following fields
A criminal conviction in the past ten years for
1. Sex crimes against children
2. Drug trafficking
3. Human trafficking
4. Murder Rape
5. Money Laundering
6. Criminal damage of property or person
7. Terrorism for the previous 20 years with details
You will also need to provide details for the following
Information regarding deportation from any European or third country
If you have stayed in any war zone or conflict area in the last ten years for a short or long time
If you have been deported or received any criminal conviction
Health Checks
The authorities will want to know if you have any medical condition, so you will be asked to supply information regarding
1. Infectious diseases
2. Contagious parasitic diseases
3. If you have any serious illness
The same information will be required for minors, so their parents or guardian will be responsible for filling out the form on their behalf. The adult must also provide information about
Their relationship with the minor
Their full name, home address, and phone number
Before submitting the form, check the ETIAS application form questions you have filled for errors; incorrect data will lead to application rejection.