ETIAS, the new visa exemption for Europe
Topics on this page:
- ETIAS, the new visa exemption for Europe
- ETIAS and benefits for the European Union
- ETIAS consults international security databases
- The Schengen Information System (SIS)
- The Visa Information System (VIS)
- Europol and the ETIAS alert list
- Manual review of requests
- ETIAS and public health protection
- Withdrawal or annulment of ETIAS if circumstances change
- ETIAS: how it benefits travelers
- ETIAS a multiple entry permit, valid for 3 years
The European Union's visa policy will undergo major changes in mid-2023. Travelers out visa-exempt third countries, who could previously cross an external border of the EU with only a passport, must first register ETIAS Register.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is being introduced to strengthen EU border security and to prevent terrorism and other serious crimes.
ETIAS and benefits for the European Union
ETIAS will be launched at the end of 2022 and will become mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers who want to visit the European Union. ETIAS is not a visa but a kind of entry permit or even better: a travel permit. After the introduction of ETIAS, travelers from 62 countries, which previously had a visa waiver had to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before they can enter Europe. ETIAS applies to both tourist and business travellers, and will also be required to pass freely through the various Schengen countries to be able to travel.
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.
ETIAS consults international security databases
The information provided by the applicant is automatically checked against various international safety databases. By doing so, potentially dangerous individuals can be quickly identified and prevented from legally crossing the EU border. The personal data is compared with the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS) and Europol data.
The Schengen Information System (SIS)
The SIS is the largest information exchange system for security and border control in Europe. It enables national authorities to check whether persons are under alert.
The Visa Information System (VIS)
The VIS allows Schengen countries to exchange visa information, preventing the use of fraudulent documents to enter Europe.
Europol and the ETIAS alert list
Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, also provides data on serious international crime and convicted criminals, enabling ETIAS to identify potential threats. An ETIAS alert list will also be established, this list will contain the names and information of all persons believed to be intent on committing terrorist activities or other serious crimes in Europe.
In most cases, nothing is detected during this automatic screening process and the application is approved almost immediately. Upon approval, the ETIAS visa exemption is electronically linked to the biometric chip in the applicant's passport, so that the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, for example, can verify the ETIAS approval quickly and efficiently at border controls.
Manual review of requests
If there is a hit in one of the databases, the application will be manually assessed by the central and national ETIAS services. The information is analyzed on a case-by-case basis and a decision is made within 2 weeks. Applicants who are refused entry have the right to appeal.
ETIAS and public health protection
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.
Withdrawal or annulment of ETIAS if circumstances change
An approved ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years, or until the validity of the passport has expired. However, the travel authorization can be withdrawn or annulled at any time if new incriminating information comes to light. If a new warning is introduced indicating that an ETIAS holder poses a potential threat, the travel authorization will be annulled and entry to Europe will no longer be possible.
ETIAS: how it benefits travelers
ETIAS also benefits travelers. After all, it ensures more security in Europe. The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for the entire Schengen area (27 countries). Tourists may then stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days with 180 days in a period and travel freely in all Schengen countries.
ETIAS a multiple entry permit, valid for 3 years
ETIAS is a multiple entry permit, third country nationals can visit Europe multiple times as long as the travel authorization remains valid. Because the visa waiver is digitally linked to the passport, travelers do not need to carry any travel documents other than the passport and they do not have to worry about damaging or losing the travel authorization.
With ETIAS, the EU hopes to boost tourism across Europe and ensure that European destinations remain among the most popular and safest in the world.
