If you travel to Europe frequently and are not from a Schengen country, you may likely be required to present an ETIAS Europe permit starting from November 2023. The new development is set to change how visitors from visa-free countries enter Schengen countries. In the past, all you needed was a valid passport if you were from a Schengen visa-free country, but there are set to be changes in the coming months. Although you still don’t require a visa to enter Europe, you need to obtain approval before you embark on your trip to a Schengen country; otherwise, you will not be allowed into the country.
The Launch of ETIAS Europe
The European Commission announced in late 2022 that it was set to launch the electronic travel authorization system (ETIAS) in November 2023 for citizens from countries that are on the visa Exempt list. Travelers from selected countries who did not require a visa in the past to access Schengen countries will not need ETIAS, so prove that they will not be a security threat to Schengen member states. This move was introduced to strengthen the security of the European Union in light of terrorist attacks in recent years.
ETIAS travel authorisation is a security and tracking system that will screen the information interested travelers provide before entering or leaving the EU.
Their movement will be tracked and updated to the ETIAS system, which also checks security credentials by screening the information against security databases like the SLS, Interpol, Eurocop, etc. ETIAS is similar to the security system of the United States government and will be updated constantly.
This security system will be deployed to track and screen visitors coming to Europe for short-term visits and activities such as medical or transit visits, business, or tourism. However, it is essential to note that ETIAS is not a visa; like the United States ESTA, it is merely a travel authorization issued to those who qualify for visa waivers. Travelers will be subjected to additional security screening before they are permitted into the Schengen Zone, which will be mandatory.
Who Qualifies For ETIAS?
The Electronic Travel Authorization System is for nationals of non-Schengen countries. Currently, there are 63 countries whose citizens qualify for visa waivers because their countries are on the visa-exempt list; of this number, more than 50 are non-European countries.
With this authorization, you are eligible to stay in any of the Schengen countries for 90 days within 180 days.
Contrary to the opinion held by many, the ETIAS visa waiver will not stop the free entry and exit of travelers from one Schengen country to another; instead, it serves to strengthen Europe’s continental security.
ETIAS Validity
ETIAS is valid for three years from the moment it is issued, and the holder can use it to enter any Schengen country as often as possible. The authorization is a multiple-entry permit with no limitations to the number of entries. The only difference is that you can’t stay for more than 90 days in the zone. If you wish to remain in the Schengen area for more than 90 days, we recommend applying for a visa instead for the country you want to visit as you will not qualify for the information and authorisation system.
How Much Is The Application Fee?
The fee is a €7, which is non-refundable, but there is no fee for applicants under the age of 18.
What Is Required To Get ETIAS Authorization?
You will need to provide your full name, passport number, passport date of issue and expiry, work experience and education, information about whether you have been to a war torn country, the country or countries you hope to visit, gender, nationality, address, email and phone number. This is the information you must provide in your application.
The ETIAS system will screen this information against other security databases and will give you an approval in minutes. If your details trigger any system alerts, your application will be referred to the manual ETIAS unit in the country you wish to visit for processing.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
By the time the electronic travel authorization system is fully operational, travelers will be able to apply for it online. If you want a trusted and secure platform, we recommend VisaHQ. The application process can be completed within a few minutes, and feedback is speedy. Here are the steps you will take to apply for ETIAS Europe
Visit VisaHQ
Select the country of destination in Europe
Select your country of citizenship
Choose ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for processing
The application process on VisaHQ will be smooth and straightforward, so visit the platform for your registration once ETIAS Europe becomes active.