ETIAS for Korean citizens will be required at the start of next year for European visitors. The European Union announced the new policy in 2022, with testing set to commence in 2023 before the policy becomes mandatory for all visitors from selected countries, including South Korea, by 2024. Once the policy becomes mandatory, it will be impossible for South Korean passport holders to enter Schengen Europe without it, but why?
This post aims to explain ETIAS in detail, so you have a clear idea about how to proceed with your travel plans in the coming months.
What Is The ETIAS For Korean Citizens?
ETIAS is an electronic vetting system that screens visitors coming into Europe. The policy was unveiled in 2016, but it took a few years for planners and regulators to get it ready for full operation. Now that the system is up and running, the EU authorities plan to rest run it on a smaller scale so travelers can get used to it; on the other hand, visitors will still be allowed to visit Europe without it during this period.
However, from January 2024, Koreans will be mandated to show their ETIAS approval at the airports or any Schengen border crossing before they can enter Europe.
ETIAS is a security system that screens travelers from visa exempt countries. The system is designed to perform speedy security checks among multiple databases to ensure the visitor is on the crime or terror watchlist. Those with a clean record will be issued an ETIAS approval form, which they must print out and bring to Europe.
The approval certificate is linked to the biometric passport of the visitor, so travelers are advised to only travel with the passport they used for the registration, even if they have two valid passports.
How Long Will ETIAS Last?
ETIAS will last for three years once it is approved, and the holder can stay in any European country for 90 days max. This document is not a visa or a long-term entry Permit. It is solely for short term trips to Schengen Europe.
Where Can I visit With Etias?
ETIAS grants Koreans access to all 27 Schengen countries, including non Schengen countries in Europe like Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus. They can also get access to Microstates like Andorra, The Vatican, and Monaco; however, ETIAS does not cover The Republic of Ireland as it has its separate immigration requirements.
Where to Get ETIAS For Korean Citizens?
Koreans do not need to visit the Embassy of the Schengen country they plan to visit to get ETIAS; this visa waiver is electronically generated online, so they can apply for it using their smartphone. VisaHQ has a dedicated portal for ETIAS registration, and it takes only a few steps, as highlighted below.
Visit VisaHQ
Choose the primary European country you want to visit first
Choose South Korea as your country of origin
Select ETIAS
Complete the application form
Attach the bio page of your passport and any other document
Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
The online form is easy to fill out and will take only a few minutes. Applicants are advised to provide only valid information and leave no section empty, as the details provided will be vetted by the security system. Once the application is approved, the system will forward the ETIAS document to their verified email address.
Travelers are advised to print it out and travel with it to their primary destination of choice before visiting any other country. Visiting a country not listed as the primary country of choice will lead to the issue at the airport.
Why ETIAS For Korean Citizens Can Be Beneficial
Extended Validity: The permit is valid for 3 years, so there is no need to apply for a new one often before every trip. This saves time and stress.
Multiple Entry: ETIAS is a multiple entry visa waiver, so that it can be used several times.
Easy Application: Unlike normal Schengen visas that take longer periods, significant paperwork, and trips to the Embassy, this application is made online, and notification is sent within minutes.
ETIAS Visa Waiver Eligibility
This visa waiver is for Korean citizens with valid passports and provides accurate information to complete the application process. Travelers are also advised to submit their applications at least 96 hours before their trip. Only the same passport used for the registration will be accepted at the airport or border crossing into Europe. And lastly, the maximum length of stay is 90 days within a six months period. Applicants for Etias for Korea citizens may visit VisaHQ to apply for short trips, but planning long term stays should apply for a Schengen visa instead.