Is it mandatory to have Etias for EU family members? If I am European by nationality and have family members abroad who wish to visit me, would they need to obtain a valid ETIAS documents like visitors from non-EU countries? There is a lot of confusion regarding the new travel policy introduced by the EU commission that is set to go into force by 2024.
Those with family members would like to know how Etias will affect them, so we address those concerns in this post, so make sure you read until the end.
ETIAS for EU Family Members
To know whether your family members will need Etias once it becomes mandatory, you must revert to the ETIAS Act 2.2 (b) regarding third country nationals. It states that such persons whose family members are EU nationals and meet the provision of the Act may enter the Schengen zone without a visa or ETIAS permit. This provision only applies to visitors with valid resident permits issued by any Schengen nations. Those who do not have a resident permit may require an ETIAS visa waiver or a Schengen visa.
So whether they will require an ETIAS visa waiver will be based on the above conditions or their family connections. The EU has made some exemptions for family members who have relatives who are EU citizens.
Exemptions
One exemption is that such family members may not require ETIAS if they already enjoy the freedom of movement within the European Union by virtue of blood ties or any other reason.
Another exemption is if they already have a permanent resident card issued by a Schengen nation. With a temporary or permanent resident card, they can enter and exit the EU without ETIAS.
Such visitors are exempted from the ETIAS regulation because they already possess permission to move freely within the region.
Valid Schengen Visa
Still, on ETIAS Exemptions, family members will not need ETIAS approval if they have a valid Schengen visa. A long-stay Schengen visa is recognized by all 27 countries in the Schengen zone regardless of the issuing country. With a long-stay visa, they already qualify for freedom of movement, so there is no need to seek Etias approval.
Diplomatic & Service Passport
ETIAS does not also apply to holders of service or diplomatic passports who already enjoy exemptions under international law agreements between the EU and the issuing country. As long as the diplomatic exemption holds, they can enter Europe or the designated country without ETIAS.
Right To Mobility
Another category of EU family members who can visit the region without ETIAS are those covered by Directive 2014 as issued by the European Parliament. Those who already have a right to mobility do not need ETIAS approval.
Note: These rules can be quite complicated, so it is advisable to consult an EU immigration lawyer to help you vet your eligibility, so you are sure whether the exemptions cover you or not. Or they may visit the embassy of the EU country they wish to visit for clarification.
Apply For ETIAS If Not Eligible For Exemptions
If your family members are not eligible for ETIAS exemptions, they can apply for Etias if they come from any of the 63 visa free countries. As long as they can currently visit without a visa, they can still do so but with an ETIAS visa waiver. Fortunately, the application process is easy and takes only a short time, and approval is swift. They can visit VisaHQ to submit their application and receive feedback at least 96 hours before they board a flight to Europe.
Here are the steps they should take.
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the First country they wish to visit
Choose their citizenship
Enter Etias as their option
Complete the application form
Attach the necessary documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for approval
Family Members Who Are Not Eligible For ETIAS
If they aren't from a visa free country and not eligible for ETIAS, they should go ahead to apply for a Schengen visa. The step to take is to visit the embassy of the EU country they wish to visit, follow the steps and submit their application. With a Schengen visa, they can visit any of the countries in the zone even if they come from third countries.
Depending on their nationality, they may be able to submit their application online or through the embassy.
ETIAS for EU family members depends on multiple factors addressed in this article. If they qualify for exemptions, they don't need ETIAS, but if they don't, they can navigate to VisaHQ's official page to apply for it. Those who are not eligible for Etias may apply for a Schengen visa instead so they can still pay you a visit.