Eligibility of ETIAS
- Kiribati will be among the initial members of the ETIAS.
- Citizens of Kiribati will be able to submit an application for ETIAS in 2025.
- Applying for ETIAS will be made convenient for Kiribati citizens through an online application system.
Other ETIAS Requirements
- Citizens of Kiribati can submit their ETIAS application via online.
- ETIAS can be used for entry to Europe by air, sea, or land.
- An e-passport that is machine readable is a requirement for travellers.
- ETIAS is intended for short-term travel such as tourism, business, transit, and medical reasons.
- The ETIAS visa waiver will be provided free of cost for applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age.
Starting in 2025, Kiribati citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS before travelling to participating European countries for short-term visits, which are less than 90 days. These visits can be for a variety of reasons including tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
The implementation of ETIAS is a measure to enhance security in Europe as a response to the growing threat of terrorism worldwide. It is a screening process for travellers arriving from overseas, ensuring that those who may pose a security risk are identified before they enter the European Union.
The ETIAS program will require citizens from Kiribati and other visa-exempt countries to complete an online application before travelling to the EU. This application will include basic personal information such as name, date of birth, and passport details, as well as questions about the traveller’s criminal history and potential security risks. The information provided will be checked against various security databases to ensure that the traveller does not pose a threat to the EU.
The ETIAS will also serve as a way to gather information about travellers visiting the EU. By collecting data on travel patterns, the EU will be able to better track and identify potential security risks. This will also allow the EU to better manage its borders, reducing the need for extensive passport controls and making it easier for legitimate travellers to enter the EU. Overall, the ETIAS program is a key component of the EU’s efforts to improve security and protect its citizens and visitors from potential terrorist attacks.
The European Union approved the ETIAS program in 2016 and has since been working on developing the necessary systems to make it a reality. This process is expected to take four years, during which time the EU will integrate the ETIAS with existing immigration databases and other security data to create a streamlined screening tool for all participating countries.
Come 2025, citizens of Kiribati will be required to complete an ETIAS application before embarking on a journey to Europe, whether by air, sea, or land. This applies to even those who are only transiting through Europe on their way to another destination.
For Kiribati citizens who plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, business, transit, or medical, a Schengen visa will be required. Additional information can be found by visiting https://etias.co.uk/ and utilizing the homepage assessment feature.
To avoid any delays or the risk of an ETIAS being denied, it is recommended that Kiribati citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date. Detailed information on the ETIAS requirements page and ETIAS FAQ’s. It is suggested that travellers review these pages before starting the ETIAS application process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
From 2025, only full Kiribati citizens will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS. This means that individuals holding a passport or travel document with a different status may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, rather than an ETIAS. This is an important point to keep in mind for those who hold dual citizenship or those who may be travelling on a refugee or asylum-seeker passport.
It is important to remember that the ETIAS program is designed for short-term stays in Europe. Those who plan to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than those allowed under the ETIAS program will need to apply for a Schengen visa. This can be done through the embassy or consulate of the EU country they plan to visit or through a visa application center.
It is worth noting that although the ETIAS application process is quick and easy, it’s important for Kiribatin citizens to make sure that their personal information and answers on the application form are accurate and truthful. Any inaccuracies or false information may result in the application being denied or delayed, and can also lead to issues at the border. Additionally, it’s important for Kiribatin citizens to keep their ETIAS authorisation with them while travelling in the EU, as they may be required to present it to border officials at any point during their trip.
Benefits of ETIAS
- The validity of ETIAS is for a period of 3 years starting from the date of issuance.
- Allows for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
- Quickly granted and sent electronically.
- Can be completed on various devices including desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- It is recommended to submit an ETIAS application at least 96 hours before departure.
- Travellers who are denied an ETIAS can still apply for a full Schengen visitor visa.
- The final decision on entry to Europe lies with the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, an ETIAS does not guarantee entry.