Etias application is a new travel policy introduced by the European Union to check the identity of visitors from visa-free countries. If you are from any visa-free country, you need the new visa waiver called ETIAS from 2024. Eligible visitors will be required to complete and submit the ETIAS application form, which will be processed, and approval will be given to such persons to visit Europe for short trips.
The application for ETIAS is short and requires no physical paperwork or visits to the embassy of the European country they want to visit. All they need is to use their smartphones or computers to fill out the application form, attach the required documents, mostly the bio page of their passport, and submit for approval.
According to the European Commission, only eligible visitors who go through this process will be allowed to visit Europe in the future.
What Do I Need For ETIAS?
The registration process has the following requirements.
Passport: A valid passport is required to complete the ETIAS registration. The passport must be valid for much longer than you will stay in Europe; that is, it must still be valid on your departure day.
Email: An active email address you have access to is a must. The email will receive notifications regarding your application, and if it goes smoothly as it should, it will be forwarded to your email address. Ensure that the email is one you have access to
Bank Card: Etias application is an online registration process, so you can only pay the application fee electronically using a credit or debit card.
Without these items, you cannot apply for Etias. So endeavor to have them in place before you start your registration.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
To apply for ETIAS, you must use a trusted online platform for a speedy process, and VisaHQ is a trusted platform. To get your ETIAS application down, you must
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the first country you plan to visit
Choose your destination
Select Etias as your option
Complete the form
Upload the required documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
The application process on VisaHQ will take only 10 minutes or less, and you will be done.
Required Information On The ETIAS Application Form
When filling out the application form, ensure that your information is accurate and matches what is on your documents. There will be a section for full names written as they appear on your passport. Your gender, contact address, and nationality must be provided.
The section for passport information must contain your passport number, passport issue date, and expiration date, followed by a set of security questions.
There is also a section for brief medical history which must be answered truthfully, including whether you have been to countries or regions with a recent history of pandemics.
What Happens When You Submit Your Information?
Once you submit your application, the system will screen your data using multiple databases like the Schengen Information System, Visa Information System, and EURODAC. Applications that do not trigger a security alert will be approved, while the ones that do will be forwarded to the manual processing unit for further review.
How Long Before My Etias Application Is Approved?
Your ETIAS application will take 24-48 hours to approve after submitting your details for screening. However, the system processes most data in minutes so that you may get your approval a few minutes after submission. To be on the safe side, it is best to submit your application at least 96 hours before your trip.
ETIAS Validity
ETIAS will be valid for 3 years after approval so that you can travel to multiple countries in the Schengen region, but you cannot stay in any of these countries for more than 90 days within 180 days.
Why your ETIAS Application May Be Declined?
Your ETIAS application may be declined for any of the following reasons
Ineligibility: You may be ineligible for ETIAS by virtue of your nationality. Etias is only for visitors from visa free countries who originally did not need visas to enter the Schengen zone. If you are not from a visa free country, your application will be rejected flat out.
Wrong/False Information: If you submit wrong or false information and the system detects it, it will most likely decline your application.
Crime Watchlist: If you are on the crime watchlist in any of the databases used for screening, you will be deemed a potential risk, and your application will be declined.
Connection To Terrorism & Trafficking: Those with connections to terrorist or human trafficking rings will not be allowed into Europe, and their application for ETIAS approval will not be accepted.
If you want to submit your ETIAS application, visit VisaHQ to do so now.