Do you have plans to travel to the Netherlands? And have you heard about the ETIAS visa waiver program but are unsure what it is? This article is here to help you understand the new European Travel Information and Authorization System and how it will affect your travel to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is an EU country and is also part of the Schengen zone; therefore, the guidelines of the ETIAS affect it as well!
This article aims to help you understand whether or not you need ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands and its requirements! Moreover, if you are unaware of what ETIAS is, this article will help you understand!
What is the ETIAS?
ETIAS is the European Travel Information Authorization System which will be initiated at the start of 2024. This system is being launched to strengthen European security. European Union member states have suffered terror attacks and many refugees too! Therefore, immigration rules have been assessed, and concerns have been brought up as the European country's immigration rules have been lenient, and this has caused many evil-minded people to exploit them. This further causes security threats.
Therefore, ETIAS aims to be a visa waiver system. Once you receive your travel authorization, you must apply after 3 years, as the ETIAS remains valid for the next 3 years.
This European visa waiver program will provide a travel document allowing individuals to enter Schengen countries who previously enjoyed visa-free travel. And from 2024, you won't be allowed to travel to the Netherlands if you haven't received your ETIAS document.
The ETIAS differs from the Schengen visa as the Schengen visa facilitates all travelers requiring a visa to enter the Schengen zone. On the other hand, the ETIAS is for those permitted to travel to the Schengen zone without a visa and are not denied entry into any of the Schengen countries. Moreover, while the Schengen visa is proper, ETIAS is a travel authorization system for security purposes.
The Need to Apply for an ETIAS to Visit the Netherlands
As the system is about to be launched in 2024, you do not need an ETIAS visa waiver to visit the Netherlands. However, once the program is implemented, all travelers must apply for the ETIAS. This ensures safety and tackles physical threats in European countries.
Who Is Supposed to Apply for the ETIAS?
All travelers not a part of the European Union or a Schengen national and do not require a visa to travel to Europe must apply for an ETIAS. Citizens of 60-62 countries have to apply for the ETIAS authorization at the system's inauguration. Visa exempt countries will now need an ETIAS to travel to the Netherlands.
Once you apply for the ETIAS, a criminal background check will also occur. If an EU ban has been imposed on you, you cannot travel through ETIAS either.
Even if you are transiting through the Netherlands, you will need the ETIAS. Therefore you should apply for it beforehand. Those who are part of the non-EU countries will also be required to apply for the ETIAS.
Validity of the Netherlands ETIAS
The Netherlands ETIAS is valid for 3 years, and after years you will have to apply for the ETIAS system again.
The ETIAS is a multiple entry travel document. With the ETIAS, you can enter the Netherlands for either a stay of 90 days or 180 days.
What are the Requirements for the Netherlands ETIAS?
The requirements for the Netherlands ETIAS are that you should have any valid document that can be used to identify you. This can be a valid passport that has a validity of at least six months from the date you fill out your application.
The ETIAS application form will require you to provide information such as your passport details and their validity, your education and work experience, an email address, medical history, and information about medical insurance.
Lastly, you will be required to pay for the ETIAS as well.
How to Apply for an ETIAS?
Now that you know what the ETIAS is, are you wondering how you can apply for one once the system is implemented? You can apply for the Netherlands ETIAS by online, leaving the need to go to the embassy. The ETIAS is an online system so that the application process can be completed online.
To apply for an ETIAS, you need to have a valid passport or any identification, and you can use it to complete your online application. There aren't loads of documents that you need for the ETIAS.
The ETIAS application process can be completed with a few easy steps! You can use third-party sites like VisaHQ for further information about the ETIAS visa waiver program.