The EC recently announced that the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System would be mandatory for travelers coming to Europe from Visa-exempt countries, but many people do not know how to get an Etias visa waiver. If you happen to be one of them, that is to be expected since Etias is still a new initiative. To help you out, we explain the application process below and the information you will need to provide to get it.
ETIAS Europe
The European Commission is set to officially launch ETIAS later this year for tourists and other short-term visitors coming to Europe from countries on the visa-free list of Schengen countries. If you are from any of the over 60 countries on the list, the visa free benefits you currently enjoy will still stand; the only difference is that you will need to secure an ETIAS permit before leaving your home country or base for any of the Schengen countries in Europe.
ETIAS is a new security program launched by the European Commission to protect the security of European countries in light of the recent terrorist attacks which rocked many state capitals and cities. As a means to ensure that the various European authorities can keep questionable characters out, the EU is going to use ETIAS to vet every single visitor coming from visa-free countries.
ETIAS is a security system that screens applicants by running security background checks through various databases. This online risk assessment system will trigger a security alert if the applicant poses any sort of threat to the country they want to visit, and such a person will be denied entry.
How To Get An ETIAS?
If you want to get an ETIAS, you will have to go through the application process, which should ordinarily not take too much of your time. Let us explain the steps for your understanding.
Complete The Application Form
There is an ETIAS application form that you must complete and submit for processing. The form will contain all your information and data, which must be authentic, correct, and reliable because it will determine whether you qualify for entry into Schengen Europe. The form contains sections for your personal, passport, and professional information.
Pay The Fee
Like visa applications, ETIAS has an application fee that must be paid. To make the permit accessible to everyone, the EC has made it a token fee of €7 for visitors between 18-70 years. Applicants under 18 or above 70 years don’t pay fees for processing. This fee can be paid online with a credit or debit card and is not refundable. Furthermore, paying the fee does not guarantee that you will be issued the permit.
Background Checks
Once you submit your information, the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System will run it through different databases. This verification process takes only a few minutes. The system will check for authenticity and evaluate security risks. If it triggers a hit, your application will be automatically rejected, and you can’t enter Schengen Europe. Proving accurate information is key.
Get Your Permit
If the system runs the background check and no hit is found, then the ETIAS will be issued to you. ETIAS confirmation is received via the registered email address you provide.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
Once ETIAS is officially launched, applicants can apply online via the official website or a dedicated website for mobile devices like VisaHQ. The process on VisaHQ will be straightforward and easy to complete in under 10 minutes. Here are the steps applicants will take.
Visit VisaHQ
Select the Schengen country of choice as your destination
Select your country of citizenship
Choose ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit the form
Note: There will be a special declaration box that the applicant must sign to declare that the information provided is valid and authentic.
ETIAS Processing Time
Unlike visa applications, ETIAS is designed to process applications in minutes. This means that within a few minutes, you will know whether you qualify for this permit or not. In some cases, one or several hits may prompt manual processing by a manual unit, and this process may take several days or up to two weeks.
ETIAS Information Required
Fill name
Country of Birth
Nationality
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Parent’s first name
Passport information
Home address
Email and phone number
Current occupation
These information, alongside a valid passport, will be required for the ETIAS application.
Now that you know how to get an ETIAS remember to switch on your notification for November, when the program will launch officially.