Eligibility for ETIAS

  • Japan will be among the first group of countries whose citizens will be eligible to apply for the ETIAS.
  • Starting in 2025, Japanese citizens will be able to apply for the ETIAS, which will be required for short visits to Europe for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
  • The online application system for ETIAS will make it easy and convenient for Japanese citizens to apply for the authorization, saving time and effort compared to traditional paper-based methods.

Other ETIAS Requirements:

  • Japanese citizens will be able to apply for the ETIAS online, making the process quick and accessible.
  • The ETIAS authorization will be valid for arrival in Europe by air, sea or overland, making it a comprehensive solution for short visits to the region.
  • Travellers must have a machine-readable e-passport in order to be eligible for the ETIAS authorization.
  • The ETIAS authorization is for short visits to Europe for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
  • Applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will be able to receive their ETIAS authorization free of charge.

Starting from 2025, Japanese citizens who wish to travel to any of the participating European countries for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to their trip. The ETIAS is an electronic authorization system that will be mandatory for travelers who want to stay in Europe for less than 90 days.

The reason for the implementation of the ETIAS program is due to the global increase in terrorism activities. The European Union has taken this step to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and visitors. The ETIAS program is an effective tool for screening travelers who are arriving from overseas and it has been approved in 2016.

To develop the required systems and ensure a seamless screening process, the EU has taken four years to integrate the ETIAS system with existing immigration databases and security data. This will ensure that the ETIAS program is efficient in providing a thorough screening process for all travelers entering the participating European countries. The implementation of the ETIAS program is an important step in the EU’s efforts to maintain the safety and security of its citizens and visitors while allowing for the smooth flow of travel.

Starting in 2025, all Japanese citizens who plan to travel to Europe by air, sea, or coach, including those who are only transiting, will be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) prior to their trip. The ETIAS is an electronic system that helps to screen travelers who are entering Europe for short stays of 90 days or less, for purposes such as tourism, business, transit, or medical reasons.

However, Japanese citizens who are planning to stay in Europe for more than 90 days or for purposes that are not covered by the ETIAS program will need to apply for a Schengen visa. For more information, they can visit https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment.

It is recommended that Japanese citizens complete their ETIAS application 96 hours before their departure date. To avoid any delays or the risk of their ETIAS being refused, it is advised that they review the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s before starting their ETIAS application. These pages provide full details about the ETIAS program and the application process, and will help Japanese citizens to ensure that they have all the necessary information to complete their ETIAS application correctly.

Starting from 2025, the requirement for obtaining an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for travel to Europe will only be available to full Japanese citizens. This means that travelers 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.

The ETIAS application process for Japanese citizens is expected to be quick and straightforward. It is normally processed and approved within minutes, and the authorization is sent by email in the form of a PDF document. There is no need for travelers to print or present any physical documents, as the ETIAS is stored electronically against the passport details stored in the European immigration system.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) provides several benefits to travelers looking to visit Europe. The following are some of the key benefits of ETIAS:

  • Validity: ETIAS is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance, giving travelers ample time to plan and make multiple trips to Europe.
  • Multiple Entries: The ETIAS authorization is valid for multiple entries within a 90-day period, providing travelers with the flexibility to explore different parts of Europe.
  • Quick and Convenient: The ETIAS authorization process is quick and convenient, with an electronic delivery system that allows travelers to receive their authorization promptly. Additionally, travelers can apply for ETIAS using any desktop, tablet, or mobile device.

While applying for ETIAS, it is advisable to follow these tips:

  • Timing: To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, travelers are advised to submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their planned departure.
  • Denial: If an ETIAS application is denied, travelers can still apply for a full visitor visa to visit Europe.
  • No Guarantee of Entry: It is important to note that an ETIAS authorization does not guarantee entry into Europe, as the final decision on entry is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival.