You can find a collection of frequently asked questions and their answers about the ETIAS program below. If you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

General Questions About the ETIAS Program

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorisation System is a new system that will soon be implemented by the European Union to enhance security and strengthen border control. The system is modeled after the visa waiver program currently used by the United States called ESTA, which requires travelers from certain countries to apply for authorisation to enter the US before their trip.

The idea of ETIAS was first proposed in 2016 as a way to improve security in the E.U. by allowing for the screening of travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter the region. This would make it possible to identify potential security risks before they arrive at the E.U. border. However, the development of the system was accelerated in the wake of a number of terrorist attacks in France and Belgium, which brought to the spotlight the need for improved security measures for travelers entering the E.U.

The ETIAS system is designed to gather information on travelers from countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the European Union, also known as visa-exempt countries. The main purpose of the system is to identify individuals who may pose security risks before they are allowed to travel to Schengen countries, which are the countries in the E.U. that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

The goal of ETIAS for the European Union is to improve both external and internal security for E.U. citizens by having a centralized system to issue travel authorisations to E.U. visitors and monitor their travels within the Schengen zone. It will allow the E.U. to screen travelers from visa-exempt countries and make sure they are not on terrorist watchlists or other databases that could indicate they pose a security risk. This is an important step to protect E.U. citizens and E.U. borders from potential terrorist threats, as well as illegal migration.

What is the difference between the E.U. and Schengen?

The European Union (E.U.) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The E.U. countries work together in areas such as trade, transportation, and legislation among others. The E.U. member states have integrated their economies, and currencies and have free movement of people and goods within the E.U. countries. The E.U. also maintains a common foreign and security policy, as well as a number of other policies.

On the other hand, the Schengen zone is a geographical area made up of 27 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that travelers can move freely between Schengen countries without the need for passport checks or border control, however, there are established regulations regarding who is eligible to enter, work, reside and study within the zone, as well as guidelines for how long one can remain.

The Schengen zone was created in 1985 by five E.U. member states, and it has since grown to include most E.U. countries. However, not every E.U. country is in Schengen and even more confusing, since not every Schengen country is in the E.U. Countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, are not part of the E.U. but are part of the Schengen zone.

How does ETIAS and Schengen Visa differ?

ETIAS is a new system that will soon be implemented by the European Union (E.U.) for travelers from certain visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. ETIAS is an electronic authorisation that is required before entering the E.U., it is not a Visa.

On the other hand, a Schengen Visa is a traditional visa issued by a member country of the Schengen Area, which allows travelers from certain countries to enter the Schengen Zone and travel within the zone for a period of up to 90 days. It is required for travelers who are not visa-exempt and who intend to stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days. The Schengen Visa application process requires an in-person interview and the submission of various documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation and financial means.

ESTA U.S. System: what is it and why was it implemented?

The U.S. visa waiver system, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), was established as a response to terrorist attacks on American soil, specifically the September 11th terrorist attacks. The system was put in place to strengthen security measures and identify potential security risks before they enter the country. Like the proposed European model of ETIAS, the ESTA system is based on online applications and utilizes the Internet to make the process more convenient.

The ESTA system is only applied to travelers from selected countries that are considered “lower risk” and are eligible to travel to the U.S. visa-free. For example, citizens of Holland or Japan can apply for an ESTA before traveling to the U.S. But travelers from countries such as Sudan or Iran, who are considered high risk, are required to obtain a full visa before traveling.

The ESTA  is a system that allows for a degree of monitoring over who is allowed to enter the U.S. and also streamlines the visa application process. ESTA holders are currently allowed to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days for a bona fide trip, which includes tourism, business or visiting friends and family. If a visitor wishes to stay longer than 90 days, they still have to apply for a full visa.

In 2016, Canada also introduced a similar visa waiver system to the ESTA called the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) that allows eligible travelers to enter Canada without having to apply for a traditional visa. 

Is there a financial benefit for the European Union of the proposed ETIAS system?

The main objective of the ETIAS is to enhance security in Schengen countries by creating a database of travelers and screening them against security databases such as those for terrorism and organized crime. This will make it possible to identify potential security risks before they arrive at the E.U. border, ensuring the safety of E.U. citizens.

Additionally, ETIAS is also expected to bring in revenue for the E.U. at a time when it is facing a decrease in funding. Each ETIAS applicant will be required to pay a minimum government fee of €7. This revenue is expected to be significant, with predictions that in the first launch year of 2025, the revenue may reach as much as €200 million. This revenue can be used to fund various E.U. projects and initiatives.

Frequent Questions About Applying for ETIAS

ETIAS applications are required by whom?

ETIAS will provide a more streamlined approach for citizens from around 60 countries who are currently visa-exempt to travel to the Schengen countries. This means that all these individuals will now be required to apply for an ETIAS before their trip.

Navigating the Schengen immigration rules, both for those who are required to have a visa and those who are currently visa-exempt can be challenging as it depends on factors such as family ties and the purpose of the visit. Different arrangements apply to those wishing to travel to multiple Schengen countries or just one, and their intended activities while there. However, for individuals who are not in the Schengen zone but reside in another E.U. country, there are no limitations on entry or movement within the zone.

The introduction of the ETIAS system will enable citizens of “third countries” who are on a list of approved countries to apply for travel authorisation at least 96 hours prior to their planned trip and pay the associated fee. This will include citizens from countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many others that are considered “low-risk” and currently do not require a visa to enter the E.U.

How to apply for an ETIAS?

ETIAS applications can only be made through the online process, similar to how electronic travel authorisations are typically applied for. Submitting applications through mail or post will not be accepted.

For each country I visit, do I have to apply for a different ETIAS?

The ETIAS system applies to all member countries of the Schengen Area. This means that once an ETIAS application is approved, the traveler is authorised to enter any of the Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The traveler does not need to apply for an ETIAS for each country they plan to visit. 

The approved ETIAS will cover all visits to ETIAS member countries, regardless of the traveler’s point of entry or exit within the E.U.. The ETIAS authorisation is linked to the traveler’s passport number, thus when crossing the Schengen Area borders immigration officer will check the ETIAS registry and confirm the traveler’s eligibility to enter.

How long will it take to apply for an ETIAS?

Completing the ETIAS application form online is a quick and easy process, which will take less than 10 minutes of your time. Once submitted, your application will be processed in real-time and you will receive a decision from the system within 96 hours or less. The ETIAS system is designed to make the application process as efficient as possible and minimize waiting time for the traveler.

However, a small percentage of ETIAS applications may take up to four weeks to process if additional documentation is required from the applicant. This is usually the case if the traveler has a previous criminal record or other red flags in the security databases. The applicant will be informed if any additional documentation is required and if so it’s important that the required documents are submitted as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the process. It’s important to note that if your ETIAS has not yet been approved and you do not have any other travel authorisation, you will not be able to enter any country within the European Union.

How much is the ETIAS fee?

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 will be required to pay a fee of €7 EUR for an ETIAS. However, there is no fee for those who are under 18 or over 70.

How long is ETIAS’ validity?

ETIAS authorisation will be valid for a maximum of three years or until the expiration date of the passport (whichever comes first) and allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Is an ETIAS needed by E.U. citizens to visit other E.U. countries?

ETIAS is only necessary for travelers who are not citizens of the E.U. but currently do not require a visa to enter, such as those from countries like the United States or Canada. In other words, ETIAS is not needed for E.U. citizens.

For more information on who is required to apply for an ETIAS, please refer to this link: https://etias.co.uk/what-is-etias/who-needs-etias

Do I still need an ETIAS if I already have a Schengen Visa?

The ETIAS and the Schengen Visa are separate travel authorisation systems, ETIAS is for travelers who currently do not need a visa to enter the E.U., and Schengen Visa is for the traveler who needs a visa to enter the E.U. If you already have a valid Schengen Visa, you will not need an ETIAS to travel to the Schengen Area. 

However, you will still be required to present your valid Schengen Visa to the immigration officials at the E.U. border. The ETIAS is intended to complement the existing visa system, it is not a replacement for the Schengen Visa, but it is an additional measure to increase the security and ease of travel.

Is an ETIAS needed for all UK passport holders?

As Britain is no longer a member of the European Union, British citizens will be considered “Third Country Nationals” and will be required to apply for ETIAS before travelling to the Schengen Area. This applies to British nationals who hold different types of British nationality, including but not limited to British nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTC), British overseas citizens (BOC), British protected persons (BPP), and British subjects (BS). They will need to complete the ETIAS application process, pay the fee and receive the authorisation before they are able to enter the Schengen Area.

I have dual citizenship for an E.U. country (e.g. Italy, France, Germany, etc.) and for an ETIAS-eligible country (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia), do I still need to apply for an ETIAS?

If you hold a passport from an E.U. or ETIAS member country, you will not require an ETIAS when you enter or exit Europe using that passport. In other words, it is not necessary to apply for ETIAS in case of traveling with an E.U. or ETIAS member country passport.

I possess residency status or a residency card in a country that’s part of the E.U., do I still need to apply for an ETIAS? 

Individuals who have a valid residency card or proof of residency status in an E.U. country will not be required to obtain an ETIAS but will need to present their proof of residency and a valid passport when traveling.

Is an ETIAS needed for infants, children, or teens?

All travelers, including children, will need to have their own ETIAS authorisation to enter the E.U. However, for those who are under 18 or over 70, the €7 fee for the application is waived. They still need to apply for the ETIAS without paying any fee.

Is applying for an ETIAS still possible if I have a criminal record?

Even if you have a criminal conviction, you are still eligible to apply for an ETIAS. The application process will take into account the specifics of your conviction, and if the decision is made to deny your application, you will have the opportunity to appeal to the member state responsible for the decision.

Frequent Questions About Traveling with an ETIAS-Approved Authorisation

Is an ETIAS usable in other European countries?

The ETIAS is valid only for travel within the Schengen zone, specifically for countries that are members of the ETIAS program.

By using ETIAS, is travelling without encountering border controls of the Schengen zone possible?

While an approved ETIAS grants you the freedom of movement within the E.U. for short-term business or tourism visits, additional security checks may be performed by border officers. Also, the ETIAS is a travel authorisation and it is subject to revocation at any time by European border authorities.

Is entering a Schengen member country by land still need an ETIAS?

Travelers that are entering ETIAS countries as part of an organized tour group, using an international carrier and overland by coach will be required to have an ETIAS. However, this enforcement will not take place until three years after the ETIAS launch.

Travelers who are crossing the border into a Schengen member country using a private car or other vehicles will not be required to have an ETIAS.

Is entering a Schengen member country by rail still need an ETIAS?

Travelers who enter the Schengen area, or any ETIAS country, by rail, will not be required to have an ETIAS.