Eligibility of ETIAS

  • The United Arab Emirates will be among the initial countries to join the ETIAS.
  • Citizens of the United Arab Emirates will have the opportunity to apply for ETIAS in 2025.
  • An online application system will be available for UAE citizens to apply for ETIAS, providing a convenient way to apply.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • ETIAS can be used for entry to Europe via air, sea or land travel.
  • Online applications will be an option for UAE citizens to obtain ETIAS.
  • A machine-readable e-passport is a requirement for travellers.
  • ETIAS is intended for short-term visits for tourism, business, transit, and medical reasons.
  • ETIAS will be free of charge for applicants older than 70 or younger than 18 years old.

The ETIAS program is a new electronic visa waiver system that has been introduced by the European Union. As of 2025, citizens of the United Arab Emirates will be required to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter participating European countries for short-term stays of up to 90 days. This includes visits for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.

The main goal of the ETIAS program is to enhance the security of the European Union by preventing terrorist attacks and other security threats. It is designed to screen travellers for any past criminal records or links to terrorism, and also to check for any red flags that may indicate a security threat. This measure will help to protect the citizens of the European Union and ensure the safety and security of all travellers visiting the region.

The ETIAS program, which was approved in 2016, is a new electronic visa waiver system that has been introduced by the European Union. The development of the required systems to integrate with existing immigration databases and other security data has taken four years. The systems are designed to provide a seamless new screening tool across the participating European countries, making the process faster and more efficient.

In 2025, Travelers from the United Arab Emirates will now have to secure an ETIAS authorization before they can board any form of transportation, including flights, ships, and buses, headed for Europe. This applies to individuals even if they are just passing through Europe on their way to another destination..

Emirati citizens who intend to stay in Europe for more than 90 days or for other reasons not covered under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Additional information on the application process can be found by visiting the website https://etias.co.uk/ and using the homepage assessment tool.

To avoid any delays or the risk of an ETIAS being refused, it is recommended that Emirati citizens complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date as it will also help ensure that there is enough time for the application to be processed and approved. 

For more information on the ETIAS requirements and ETIAS FAQ’s, please visit the relevant pages on the ETIAS website. Reviewing these pages before starting an ETIAS application will help ensure that the process is smooth and efficient. Additionally, it is important to check that the passport is valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure and that it is machine-readable.

Starting in 2025, it will be a requirement to be a full Emirati citizen in order to apply for an ETIAS. This means that travellers holding a passport or travel document with a different status, such as a permanent resident, may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead of an ETIAS. This is because the ETIAS program is specifically designed for citizens of certain countries, and individuals with different statuses may not be eligible to apply for an ETIAS.

This is why it is important for travellers to understand their immigration status and what type of travel document they hold before applying for an ETIAS. Failure to do so may result in the application being denied, and travellers may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, which can take longer to process and may require additional documentation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the requirements and guidelines of the ETIAS program before applying.

Emirati citizens can anticipate a seamless and rapid experience when applying for their ETIAS. The online application process is quick and typically gets approved within just a few minutes. Upon review and approval, the authorization will be delivered via email in a PDF format. No physical documents are required, as the ETIAS information is kept on record electronically in the European immigration system, linked to the passport details on file.

This is a significant advantage of the ETIAS program as it eliminates the need for travellers to carry around physical documents or worry about losing them. The ETIAS can be easily accessed and presented electronically at border control, making the process faster and more convenient for travellers. Additionally, this also helps to reduce the risk of fraud and errors, by providing a secure and reliable system for tracking and verifying travel documents.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • An ETIAS authorisation is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.
  • Allows multiple entries within a 90-day period
  • Quick authorisation process with electronic delivery
  • Available to apply on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended to submit the application 96 hours before the departure date.
  • When denied an ETIAS, travellers can still apply for a full visitor visa.
  • The final decision on entry to Europe is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, even if the ETIAS is granted.