With the new travel policy announced by the European Commission, will Etias replace Schengen visa? This is a debate making the rounds as travelers come to terms with the new policy that is set to change how many travelers process their trips to Europe. The European Travel Information Authorization System is not a visa and will affect travelers from more than 60 countries, but will it replace the Schengen visa, or will the Schengen visa policy run parallel with Etias? Keep reading to find out.
The Continent of Europe
Europe is only one of six major continents in the world, but it is the most visited continent. Every year millions of travelers visit the continent, France being the most visited and Spain the second most visited country. Many visitors visit one or more countries several times a year, and this has boosted the economy of most countries but has also created challenges for respective governments. While many visits as tourists, others visit as business visitors or come for family visits and other social engagements.
To protect European borders and reduce risk factors, Etias was introduced. The system is set to launch in 2024, when it will become mandatory for visa free visitors.
Etias For Visitors
ETIAS is a European Travel Information and Authorization System designed to screen visitor identity before they land in Europe. The system vets their identity and generates a certificate or document to show that they have been vetted and do not pose any risk to the authorities, country, or countries they plan to visit. This visa waiver is not for all but only for visitors from visa-free European countries. Those who currently enjoy visa-free travels to Europe may avail of Etias.
The transitional period will commence in May 2023, when it will be optional for eligible travelers to apply for it, but from the beginning of 2024, it will be mandatory. Note that ETIAS is only for short visits, and visitors cannot work or study.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a multinational visa recognized by almost all the countries in Europe except the Republic of Ireland. This visa is issued by only one country in the region but recognized by others who are signatories of the Schengen Agreement. Holders can stay in one or more countries of their choice for up to 90 days, and the visa is valid for 6 months. It is also issued for short visits like tourism and business.
This visa is issued to those who are not from visa-free countries. The countries whose citizens qualify for Schengen visas are largely third-world countries from Asia, Africa, and many Latin American countries.
ETIAS vs Schengen Visa
So what are the differences and similarities between ETIAS and the Schengen visa? Let's review them.
Purpose: While ETIAS is a visa waiver for those who qualify for visa-free entry, a Schengen visa is an actual visa. They both guarantee short-term visits of 90 days and not a day more.
Nationality: The nationality of the applicant affects what they qualify for; those from visa-free countries need ETIAS approval since they can already enter Europe without a Schengen visa, so all they need is security pre-screening. While those from non-visa-free countries need a Schengen visa to enter Europe.
Application Fee: The application fee for a Schengen visa is €40 for 13-17-year-olds and €80 for 18-80 years olds while the fee for ETIAS is just €7 for 18-70-year-olds and free for this outside this age bracket. Also, these fees do not guarantee that your application will be approved and are not refundable.
Where To Apply: ETIAS is an online application that takes less time. Some visa applicants may need to visit the Embassy as online application forms are unavailable for their region.
Will ETIAS Replace Schengen Visa?
Etias will not replace the Schengen visa because they serve different purposes and different visitors, so the possibility of one replacing the other will not come into play. While one is for visa-free travelers, the other is for travelers not from visa-free countries. While one may require visits to the Embassy depending on their location, the other is solely online based.
Schengen visas have been issued for over two decades and will continue while Etias is a relatively new system. The visitor's passport is what determines one they go for
How To Apply For ETIAS?
Here are the steps to apply for ETIAS on VisaHQ
Visit VisaHQ
Choose your primary destination or country
Choose your citizenship
Select ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Attach your documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
Will Etias replace Schengen visa? No, it will because they both serve different purposes. Visit VisaHQ to apply for both.