Regulations for traveling to Europe have been changed. In 2024, nearly 1.4 billion people from more than 60 countries that do not require visas (including the UK, US, Australia, UAE, etc) will need travel authorization to enter most European nations. ETIAS is the travel authorization.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias) launch date in 2024 has not been announced.
Media reports and ETIAS interpretations that are often incorrect and done on purpose have caused confusion among travelers. They have been trying to stay informed about this system and when it will be implemented for several years.
We have listed nine of the most important things you need to know about ETIAS before it launches in 2024.
1. ETIAS Is Not a Visa
ETIAS is a visa waiver pre-screening program for all travelers under the EU visa-free program. It is a travel authorization required for nationals not subject to visa requirements and wishing to enter any of the 30 European Countries. The ETIAS travel authorization is tied to the passport of the traveler. Valid for three years or until your passport expires – whichever is first. You must obtain a brand new ETIAS Travel Authorization if you receive a passport.
You can visit these European countries for short stays as often as possible with a valid ETIAS Travel Authorization. This is usually up to 90 days in 180 days. It does not, however, guarantee you entry. A border guard may ask for your passport or other documentation to verify your eligibility.
“Neither the ESTA nor the future ETIAS (EU equivalent) are visas. They carry out pre-travel screening for travelers benefiting from visa-free access,” the delegation said in its tweet.
2. ETIAS website is not yet up, but it will be under “europa.eu”
Many sites pretend to be official ETIAS websites; others do not directly state that but look like official EU websites. Others claim to act as intermediaries to obtain an ETIAS. This is a useless service.
The website where applicants can apply for ETIAS is not yet live, but EU officials are currently working to launch it. ETIAS will use the Europa.eu domain. This means all other websites, including those already online and any that may appear in the future, will not be legitimate.
3. Application Procedures and Cost
It is much simpler to apply for an ETIAS than a visa. The traveler must enter some details, then upload their passport and photo. The ETIAS application costs 7 euros.
It is expected that the entire application process will take around ten minutes. This period can be extended to 14 additional days if you need to submit more information or documents or 30 extra days if an interview is scheduled. You should therefore apply for your ETIAS authorization in advance of your journey.
After you have submitted your application, you will be sent an email that confirms the receipt of it. This will contain your unique ETIAS number.
You will be notified by email of the outcome once your application is processed.
4. Schengen visa applicants will not be affected
There are many differences between an ETIAS and a Schengen Visa, and amongst the most important ones is that to obtain a Schengen visa, you need to make an appointment, collect a long list of documents, attend an interview, and pay quite a high fee.
ETIAS is not required for travelers from more than 100 countries who currently need a Schengen Visa to visit any Schengen Area 27 countries, whether to do business or visit family.
If a visa liberalization occurs after ETIAS is implemented, applicants will need the ETIAS instead of Schengen Visas.
ETIAS system allows European countries to protect the public’s health and provide a smooth travel experience for their visitors. The advanced system streamlines the entry process and allows authorities to manage travelers efficiently while maintaining high safety in the Schengen Area. Visit our blogs for more travel tips.
