Is Etias free? It depends on the age of the applicant, as some travelers don’t need to pay a fee to get their ETIAS approval, while others do. Applying for ETIAS requires only a few documents and a select number of information, and we will provide you with all you need to know in this post, so make sure you read it until the end to get all the information you need.
ETIAS For Travelers
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is a visa waiver and pre screening program designed for visitors who do not need visas to enter the Schengen zone. This document was created by the European Union to strengthen border security and to vet individuals coming from select countries. Etias is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which also does a similar job for the United States government. With the possession of ETIAS, eligible travelers can enter any 27 member states in the Schengen zone, including Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and all the micro States in Europe.
The idea to design a screening System for visitors was introduced to the European Union parliament in 2016, and work began soon after the Act was passed into law. Now that the system is ready for use, the EU has announced that effective January 2024; it will become mandatory for travelers from visa exempt countries to obtain ETIAS before visiting the Schengen zone.
The plan is for visitors to undergo a six-month transition period where the system will be tested, and travelers will be encouraged to register. During this transitional period, those with or without ETIAS will be allowed to visit Europe, but once the transitional period passes and it becomes mandatory from 2024, those without it will not be allowed into Europe.
ETIAS Validity Period
ETIAS approval will last for three years and is for multiple entries; this means that visitors can visit Europe several times, but they can’t stay for more than 90 days within a six months period. The documents will either expire after 36 months or immediately after the passport linked to it expires.
Is Etias Free?
ETIAS is not free for some but free for others. Applicants between the ages of 18-70 must pay a €7 application fee for processing, and this free is not refundable. However, those under 18 and above 70 don’t have to pay for Etias as it is free for them. So whether or not you pay for Etias will depend on your age.
ETIAS Purpose
So what is the purpose of ETIAS?
For starters, there are 63 countries whose citizens can enter Europe without a Schengen visa. These travelers enjoy visa-free entry into any European country of their choice because their countries have liberalization agreements with the Schengen zone. Before now, they could visit with only a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and a valid ID card in some cases. While Etias is not a visa, its introduction is not designed to eliminate visa free access. Rather it is designed to prevent people with criminal records from entering EU countries or overstaying beyond the period of visa-free grace.
Here are the problems Etias is designed to resolve.
Perform Advance Checks: The system will perform Advance checks on everyone entering Europe by screening their criminal and medical records for safety.
Improve Internal Security: ETIAS will improve the internal security of Europe by keeping out people with questionable characters.
Illegal Immigration: ETIAS will prevent the Illegal immigration of undocumented travelers, especially those who enter through the land borders.
Limit Health Risk: The Covid Pandemic of 2020 exposed the limitations of most EU countries' healthcare systems. ETIAS will enable health authorities to track visitors from vulnerable regions and prevent them from entering the Schengen zone.
Overall, ETIAS will reduce the possibility of risky persons passing through the borders undetected.
Who Will Need ETIAS?
ETIAS is for those from visa exempt countries; travelers who can enter the Schengen zone without a visa are eligible for Etias. There are about 63 countries on the list, most of which are first-world countries scattered around the globe. North American, South American, Australian, and Oceanian nations include visitors from a few Middle Eastern countries.
Etias is not for travelers who need visas to enter Europe or European citizens. The latter can visit any EU country as long as they have a valid ID card.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
To apply for Etias, you must fill out and submit an application form via VisaHQ.
Visit VisaHQ
You must choose the Schengen country you want to visit as your primary destination
Choose your country of origin
Pick Etias visa waiver
Complete the application form
Pay the ETIAS fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
IS Etias free? It is free for travelers above 70 years and minors, but those between 18-70 must pay a €7 application fee. Visit VisaHQ to apply now.