The current corona pandemic has no influence on the planned implementation date of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS should be fully operational by mid-2023. Sources within the European Commission confirm this.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has a major impact on the EU and causes project and process delays, it has no consequences for the planning of the implementation of ETIAS. The EU travel authorization system will apply to 62 nationalities who can now travel to Schengen/EU without a visa.
Necessity to introduce ETIAS
It is precisely the pandemic that once again emphasizes the need for the introduction of ETIAS because it allows better monitoring of the flow of travelers to the countries of the EU
ETIAS, once operational, will help identify risks that may arise from requiring individual visa-exempt visitors to the EU.
The 'European Travel Information and Authorization system' can be compared to similar systems in the US (ESTA), Canada, Australia and other countries. The travel authorization for the EU must be applied for online, applicants over the age of 18 will pay a fee of €7. An application is fully automatic and can be arranged in a few minutes.
Corona pandemic
The introduction of ETIAS will also bring health benefits. We have learned from the corona pandemic that infectious diseases can easily cross borders and spread quickly. When completing the ETIAS form, some health-related questions are also asked. Persons with certain contagious diseases can be denied entry to Europe in order to minimize risks to public health.
