The initial plan for ETIAS was to start in 2021, but with the pandemic, it was postponed to start in January 2024. However, with another postponement, the ETIAS is expected to be valid from 2025. In this post, I describe everything you need to find out about ETIAS, where to apply online, and for which countries it is necessary.
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a travel authorization that serves as an entry requirement, including multiple entries, for citizens of visa-exempt nationalities in the countries of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen zone. Attached to your passport, it will be valid for up to 3 years as long as your passport is valid. If you get a new passport, you will need to obtain a new ETIAS.
By having an ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of the listed countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, commercial, or transit purposes. However, ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry to these countries. Upon arrival in an EU country, the border police will check your documents and check whether you meet the entry requirements.
Why was ETIAS postponed to 2025? According to official sources, the postponement was caused by technical challenges related to software glitches, data integration, and concerns regarding data privacy under GDPR. Once ETIAS is implemented, travelers will need to plan their application process and payment of service fees in advance.
List of European countries that require ETIAS
Here is the list of 30 countries in Europe that require ETIAS travel authorization for foreign tourists:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
How to apply for ETIAS
To apply for ETIAS, you can do so directly on the official website or in the application, which costs 7 euros. The application must be made online. Applicants under 18 years of age and over 70 years of age are exempt from the fee, as are family members of European Union citizens and foreigners with an EU residence permit.
They may require additional documents, which could extend the process for an additional 14 days, or even an interview, which could extend up to 30 days. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain the ETIAS before purchasing the flight tickets and planning your entire trip to Europe.
Confirmation of your application will be sent by email and will contain your ETIAS number for future reference. Once your ETIAS is ready, verify that your name, passport number, and other information are correct. Otherwise, you will be denied entry at border control.
Where can I clarify doubts about ETIAS?
Questions about ETIAS and other travel documents can be resolved with the iVisa platform, which makes online visa and document applications for more than 180 countries around the world, available 24 hours a day.
Originally posted 2023-10-08 22:24:07.
