If you previously could enter Germany without a visa but with your passport for short visits, the introduction of ETIAS GERMANY is about to change everything. The community of Schengen visa countries is introducing a new security checker to evaluate the security risk of every visitor from visa-exempt countries. This policy is set to go into operation in November 2023, so read this post until the end to get all the facts about the new security system and how it impacts future trips.
ETIAS Germany – How It Works
ETIAS stands for electronic travel information and authorization system, and it is a security program that keeps track of all visitors entering Germany and the Schengen zone. Obtaining ETIAS takes only a few minutes, and it is done online, so you don’t have to visit the German embassy or consulate to wait in long queues. The authorization is valid for three years and is a multiple-entry permit.
Holders of this permit can visit and stay in Germany or any other Schengen nation for a maximum period of 90 days. The good thing about this document is that it grants the holder the same access to multiple countries in the Schengen Region, so they can visit as many countries as they wish, but they cannot stay within the zone for more than 90 days.
According to the European Commission, ETIAS will be operational in November 2023, so visitors from visa-free countries can continue to enter Germany with only their passports until then.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
According to European Union authorities, the process of applying for this travel authorization is very easy. The Germany ETIAS Unit will launch an official website, which will handle all applications submitted by travelers interested in coming to Germany. Applicants will be expected to do the following.
Complete The Application Form: There will be an Etias for Germany application form that the applicant must complete and sign online. The form will contain sections for education and work experience, personal identity, travel history, and previous criminal charges, if any.
Select Country: They will also be expected to choose the Schengen country they intend to visit. Those looking to come to Germany or any other Schengen country must indicate the same in the application form.
Pay the Fee: The applicant must also pay the €7 fee for processing, which is not required for applicants under 18 years of age.
The ETIAS unit in each country will be responsible for deciding who is eligible to enter the country and will not pose a security risk of any kind. Once the application is received, your information will be run through a database, and if you are eligible, your request will be approved.
Some databases that will evaluate your information include the Schengen Information System (SIS), Interpol, and Europol, including other watch lists and risk indicators.
What Is The Validity of ETIAS?
ETIAS permits will be valid for three years, and holders will be free to enter and exit and country in the Schengen region at will, but they will not be allowed to stay for more than 90 days.
ETIAS Germany Requirements
To get your Germany ETIAS visa waiver application authorized, you must provide the following information.
Travel history – Education and work experience – Personal background – Country you wish to visit – criminal charges of any – If you have traveled to war-torn countries – Previous Schengen countries you have visited
This information and your valid passport information will be used to process your application.
How Long Will It Take To Get ETIAS Approval
The European Commission hopes to launch a speedy process where applicants will get a final verdict in minutes. In a situation where your application triggers an alarm, your details will be forwarded to the manual Unit of the ETIAS Germany team for further security checks. The Unit will contact you to provide more information or documents for further checks, which may take another 4 days to finalize.
It is important to note that your application may be refused if you provide fraudulent information or are on the watch list database. Individuals being investigated or surveilled for crimes, war criminals, and suspected actual terrorists fall under this category.
Applicants who have their applications rejected have the option to appeal the decision by notifying the ETIAS authorities in Germany, but there is a deadline for appeals. Furthermore, rejected applicants can still apply again in the future as past rejections do not impact application success less in the case of criminal suspicion.
How To Apply Online
Log onto VisaHQ
Choose Germany as your destination
Choose your country of origin
Select ETIAS
Complete the application form
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
When filling out your ETIAS Germany form on VisaHQ, endeavor to provide only valid information to avoid rejection.