If I am planning a trip to Paris or any other French city, do I need ETIAS for France? Since introducing the new policy, there has been a lot of confusion and misconception about the new policy.
In this article, we will review the European Travel Information and Authorization System in detail so all future travelers to France will have a fair idea of the new policy.
A Background Of ETIAS
Travelers to France who were able to enter the country without a visa in the past will still be able to do so but with ETIAS approval. This document was introduced by the European Commission and is set to launch in 2024 for all travelers from visa-free countries.
ETIAS is a security vetting system that checks traveler information for security risks. Once the applicant submits their application, the system will scan their information across several security databases to see if they are on any of their crime watchlists. Those on the watchlists will be denied entry into France.
Due to the terror risks plaguing many EU countries in the region, the need for a vetting system to reduce the risk of allowing criminal elements into the country has become necessary.
Furthermore, the disruptions caused by the Covid 19 pandemic have brought to light the need to review the medical and travel history of visitors coming to France and other countries in the zone to forestall the spread of viral diseases.
How Will ETIAS France System Work?
The ETIAS system will scan traveler information within minutes, not days or weeks. It will be valid for three years and allow visitors to stay in France for 90 days within six months. ETIAS will work with several national and international security databases like Eurocop, Interpol, Schengen Information System, and more.
The system will scan the applicant’s information through these databases for risks; if it doesn’t register a security alert, the ETIAS application will be approved and forwarded to the applicant’s registered email address.
This who fail to pass the security tests will see their application forwarded to the ETIAS manual unit in France. The manual unit will review the application and decide whether to issue the approval or not.
All travelers coming to France must present their ETIAS at the border crossing or airport to be scanned by immigration officers before they will be allowed into the country.
When Will The ETIAS Policy Become Fully Active?
This policy will become fully active in 2024, but a testing phase will be scheduled from May to November 2023. The testing phase aims to fine-tune the system to ensure that it works well when it is massively deployed for all travelers by next year.
Visitors are hereby informed that they can still travel to France with only their passports during the testing phase but will not be able to do so in 2024 once Etias becomes mandatory.
Do I Need ETIAS To Visit France?
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will only need ETIAS to visit France. There are visa exempt countries on the Schengen countries list whose citizens can afford to visit France or any other country without a visa. If you are not from a visa exempt country, you are not eligible for ETIAS.
How To Apply For ETIAS For France?
Visiting France will require ETIAS, but how do you apply for it? The application is made online, and you must submit only valid information and documents to secure the ETIAS approval.
VisaHQ provides applicants with a secured platform to submit their application in the following steps
Visit VisaHQ
Choose France as your destination
Choose your citizenship
Select France Etias
Fill out the application form
Attach your documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
France Etias Fee
The application fee is €7, payable with a credit or debit card. This fee is not refundable and only charged for travelers between 18-70 years, and minors and travelers above 70 don’t need to pay the fee.
ETIAS France Requirements
You will need:
A valid passport to cover your stay in France
Personal information like your date of birth, place of birth, gender, etc
Travel history information, including whether you have been to a war-torn or disease prone environment
Occupation and educational background
Grounds For Denial
There are reasons why your application may not be approved, such as
False information
Invalid documents
Criminal record
Previous trips to war torn or virus infested areas
Appearance on a crime watchlist
These are some reasons why your application may be rejected besides these above factors.