Eligibility of ETIAS
- The ETIAS program will be launched with Barbados as a member.
- In 2025, Barbadian citizens will have the opportunity to apply for ETIAS.
- ETIAS applications by Barbadian citizens will be done through an online system.
Other Requirements for ETIAS
- ETIAS applications are available online for Barbadian citizens.
- ETIAS is accepted for entry to Europe via air, sea, or land.
- An e-passport that is machine readable is a requirement for travel.
- ETIAS is designed for short-term travel for tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.
- ETIAS will be free of charge for applicants who are under 18 or over 70.
From 2025 onwards, all citizens of Barbados who plan to travel to any of the participating European countries for short-term stays of under 90 days for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes will be required to apply for an ETIAS before their departure.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) program, set to launch in 2025, is a measure taken by the European Union to enhance security and address the growing global threat of terrorism. The program mandates all non-EU citizens eligible for visa-free travel to the EU to apply and obtain an ETIAS prior to their journey. In doing so, the program aims to scrutinize travelers coming from abroad.
This includes the citizens of Barbados. By collecting advance information on travellers, the ETIAS program aims to identify potential security risks before travellers arrive in the EU. The program will also help to manage migration and security risks and make it seamless for true visitors to travel the EU. The ETIAS program is an important step in strengthening the security of the EU’s external borders and in ensuring the safety and security of European citizens.
The ETIAS program was approved in 2016 as a measure to strengthen security at the EU’s external borders. The process of developing the required systems and integrating them with existing immigration databases and other security data took four years to provide a seamless screening tool across the participating European countries.
Starting in 2025, all Barbadian citizens who have plans to visit Europe, be it for a brief visit or just as a transit stop to other locations, will need to obtain approval through the ETIAS application process before setting foot on an aircraft, marine vessel, or ground transportation.
For Barbadian citizens who wish to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days, or for other reasons not covered by ETIAS authorization, a Schengen visa is needed. Additional information can be found on the website https://etias.co.uk/ by using the homepage assessment.
When applying for ETIAS, Barbadian citizens are encouraged to do so 96 hours before their departure date. The ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQs provide complete details about the application process. It is recommended to review these pages before starting an ETIAS application, to avoid delays or the risk of an ETIAS being denied.
This includes ensuring that you have all of the necessary documents and information required to complete the application. Furthermore, providing accurate and up-to-date information is crucial to avoid any issues with the application.
As of 2025, in order to be eligible to apply for an ETIAS, individuals must be full Barbadian citizens. This means that travellers who hold a passport or travel document with a different status may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead of an ETIAS. This is because ETIAS is only available to citizens of certain countries, including Barbados, who are eligible for visa-free travel to the EU.
It is important to note that the ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic travel authorisation that allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the EU for short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
On the other hand, a Schengen visa allows travellers to enter and stay in the EU for a longer period of time or for other purposes that the ETIAS does not cover. Barbadian citizens who hold a different status may be required to apply for a Schengen visa if they plan to stay in the EU for longer than 90 days, for study, work, family reunification, or other reasons.
It is important to check the immigration requirements for the European country you plan to visit before starting your trip to make sure you have the correct documentation.
Barbadian citizens who apply for an ETIAS can anticipate a speedy processing and approval of their application, often in just a matter of minutes. The ETIAS authorization will be received through email as a PDF document, eliminating the need to have physical documents on hand as the ETIAS information will be securely kept electronically linked to the passport information in the European Immigration system
Benefits of ETIAS
- The validity of ETIAS is 3 years from the date it is issued.
- Allows for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
- Rapid authorisation and electronic transmission.
- The application can be submitted using a desktop, tablet or mobile device.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- The application should be submitted at least 96 hours prior to departure.
- In case of a denied ETIAS, visitors can still apply for a full visa.
- The final decision on entry to Europe with an ETIAS is made by border security personnel of the European country of arrival and is not guaranteed.