You must apply for ETIAS if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country outside the European Union and intend to travel to the Schengen area. An ETIAS permits the holder to travel to any Schengen area’s 26 member countries.
This article will assist you with the requirements, costs, and application process for acquiring ETIAS.
What exactly is ETIAS?
ETIAS, an acronym for European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a visa-waiver pre-screening process for travelers who want to enter the European Union but do not need a Schengen visa.
Application requirements for ETIAS
Each participant must complete the ETIAS form online before traveling to get an ETIAS. Your application is not assured because the information you provide will be processed in other EU databases before deciding whether to grant or reject you an ETIAS.
The application requires the following information:
- Complete name.
- Birthdate and place of birth
- Passport and nationality information
- Details about your parents or guardians.
- A valid phone number and email address.
Furthermore, it will inquire about:
- History of criminal activity and substance abuse
- Any medical condition.
- Education and professional experience.
The goal of ETIAS’s establishment is as follows:
- Reduce border delays by identifying persons who may pose a threat as quickly as possible.
- To improve Internal security.
- Carry out thorough checks.
- Deny travel authorization if necessary.
- Reduce the public health risk.
- Prevent undocumented immigration.
- Provision of significant information about previous trips to Europe
How much does an ETIAS application cost?
The ETIAS will cost €7 for individuals over the age of 18 and above and will be free for those under 18. Furthermore, anyone over the age of 70 will be exempt from paying the application fee.
While some are exempt from payment, they must still provide an approved ETIAS when entering the Schengen area.
A credit or debit card is used to make the payment. Within minutes of correctly processing your payment, you will receive an email confirming your ETIAS approval.
Application Procedures
● Documents confirmation
Unlike with a visa application, no printed documents are necessary. All you’ll need is a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure date in Europe.
Your passport’s biographic information page must include a machine-readable section. Although not necessary in all cases, your passport may be required to be an electronic passport with the electronic passport sign or chip.
● Decision on the application
Typically, your application will be checked against several systems, including SLTD (Interpol), SIS, EURODAC, the ETIAS watch list, to name a few, to ensure that the data provided in the application corresponds to the data that generated a hit.
Otherwise, the application will be manually processed by the appropriate authorities, and the issuance or denial of your application will take no more than 96 hours from the time it is submitted.
If an ETIAS is granted, it is good for three years and must be renewed when it expires. If your passport expires before your ETIAS, your ETIAS will be rendered invalid, and you will be required to renew it.
If your application is denied, they will notify you via email of the reason for the rejection and the authority or country that made the decision. You may appeal based on the grounds given, but this will require additional time.
● Arrival in the EU and travel
You may board and arrive at the EU with the ETIAS solely for the sake of travel, tourism, and business, not for work or study.
Your ETAIS is checked when you arrive by air, land, or sea. Although your information will be saved in the ETIAS database after a successful application, it is advised that you print and keep the authorization that you will receive in your email.
Conclusion
A valid ETIAS allows you to travel between EU member states; however, keep in mind that the travel authorization does not always imply an automatic right of entry or stay since the border guard takes the final decision.
