ETIAS: All you need to know about the new EU entry requirement

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is the new entry regulation for visa-exempt travelers entering Europe. Although ETIAS is not yet operational, its implementation will begin with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launch on November 10, 2024, and continue into mid-2025 when ETIAS itself will be fully rolled out.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the upcoming ETIAS requirements, including the application process, eligibility, and important details about its implementation.

Please note: The ETIAS system is not yet live. The official website will start accepting applications in mid-2025. Any website claiming to offer ETIAS services before this date may be fraudulent.

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What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to become the new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers entering Europe. Similar to the electronic authorization system in the United States (ESTA), ETIAS requires visitors with visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries to register in the system when traveling to these member states. Once the new system is in place in mid-2025, nationals of approximately 60 countries and territories who do not need a visa to travel to any of the 30 European countries, will have to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before starting their trip.

It's important to remember that ETIAS is not a visa; it is more accurately described as a visa-waiver. Like the American ESTA, ETIAS is a travel authorization for travelers who do not require a visa to visit Europe. Under ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks before being permitted to enter the EU.

There are two main reasons why ETIAS is being introduced:

1. Increasing security: Amidst global challenges, the system aims to identify travelers who may pose a security threat to the EU and prevent them from entering before they arrive at the border.

2. Improving border management: The system seeks to enhance the management of EU country borders and improve travel efficiency.

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Who is required to apply for ETIAS?

Nationals of countries that are visa-exempt when traveling to the EU will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. This includes citizens from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. A full list of eligible countries can be found on the official EU website.

While nationals from these visa-exempt countries will need to obtain ETIAS authorization, travelers from certain other countries will still require a Schengen Visa to enter and travel through the 27 Schengen countries. Countries requiring a Schengen visa (and not eligible for the ETIAS visa waiver) include India, China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, and others. For a full list of countries requiring a Schengen visa, consult the official EU resources here.

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How to apply for ETIAS

Eligible travelers must apply for an ETIAS through the official EU website. Alternatively, businesses with high travel volumes often outsource the application process to services like WorkFlex, which handles ETIAS and similar visa waivers on behalf of your employees.

To apply for ETIAS visa waiver, applicants must have a valid travel document, such as a passport, to which a visa may be affixed. This travel document should not expire within three months of the intended departure and should be no older than 10 years. Please note that not all travel documents are accepted for ETIAS, with specific country requirements available here.

The application process is designed to be straightforward. Submitting the form should take no longer than 10 minutes, and most application decisions will be delivered within minutes. However, processing times can extend up to 4 days if additional checks are required.

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Is entry into the EU guaranteed with ETIAS?

It's important to note that obtaining an ETIAS does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Zone, nor does it grant the right to work in these countries. Applications can be refused for several reasons, including if the applicant:

• Used a travel document that was reported lost, stolen, misappropriated, or invalidated.

• Is considered to pose a security, illegal immigration, or high epidemic risk.

• Fails to respond to a request for additional information or documentation within the given deadline, or fails to attend an interview.

• Has previously been refused entry and stay, accompanied by an alert recorded in the relevant information system.

• Provides data, statements, or documents that raise reasonable doubts about their reliability and veracity.

If an application is refused, the applicant will not be permitted to travel to the EU. However, every person has the right to appeal, and the appeal will be processed by the authorities of the country that refused the application.

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Practicalities of ETIAS

Validity Period of ETIAS

Approved ETIAS applications will be valid for up to three years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. ETIAS is effective for short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If your travel document expires before your ETIAS authorization, you will need to reapply for ETIAS once a new travel document is issued.

Cost of ETIAS

The cost of an ETIAS application will be EUR 7. However, travelers under 18 and over 70 years of age can obtain ETIAS free of charge.

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Conclusion

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) represents a significant shift in the way visa-exempt travelers will enter Europe starting in 2025. By requiring these travelers to register through an easy and quick online process, ETIAS aims to enhance security and improve the efficiency of border management across EU and Schengen Zone countries.

As the implementation of ETIAS approaches, staying informed and preparing in advance will ensure a smooth transition into this new travel authorization system. For further details and the latest updates, follow the WorkFlex Visa Services announcements and the official EU resources.