Eligibility of ETIAS
- Macedonia will join the ETIAS as a founding member.
- In 2025, Macedonian citizens will be able to apply for ETIAS.
- An online application system will be available for Macedonian citizens to use when applying for ETIAS, which will be beneficial for them.
Other Requirements of ETIAS
- Applying for ETIAS can be done online by Macedonian citizens.
- ETIAS is valid for European entry by air, sea or overland.
- A machine-readable e-passport is a requirement for travellers.
- ETIAS is intended for short stays in the form of tourism, business, transit, or medical visits.
- The ETIAS visa waiver will be free for those who are older than 70 or under 18 years of age.
As of 2025, citizens of Macedonia who are traveling to participating European countries for short stays of 90 days or less for reasons including tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes must apply for ETIAS. The ETIAS program has been introduced to improve border security and to assess the risk posed by travelers coming from abroad in light of the rise in global terrorism incidents.
The implementation of the ETIAS program is a proactive measure taken by the European Union to enhance border security and prevent terrorist activities. The global threat of terrorism has increased in recent years and the EU has recognized the need to take action to protect its citizens and visitors. By requiring travellers from certain countries, including Macedonia, to apply for an ETIAS before arriving in Europe, the EU is able to screen travellers and verify their identities and backgrounds.
The process of applying for an ETIAS will be quick and easy. Citizens of Macedonia will be able to apply for the visa waiver online and will need to provide information such as their personal details, passport information, and answers to security-related questions. This will help to identify potential security threats and prevent them from entering the EU.
The ETIAS program will also help to improve overall border management by streamlining the visa application process for travellers. By using an electronic system, the EU will be able to process applications more efficiently and make it easier for travellers to navigate the visa application process. Additionally, the ETIAS will be valid for 3 years, which means that Macedonian citizens will not need to apply for a new visa each time they wish to visit Europe, which will make it more convenient for travellers.
The European Union approved the ETIAS program in 2016 as a new measure to strengthen border security and prevent terrorist activities. The program is designed to screen travellers arriving from overseas and enhance border management. To implement this program, the EU has dedicated four years to developing the necessary systems that will integrate with existing immigration databases and other security data. This will enable a seamless and efficient screening process across participating European countries.
Starting in 2025, Macedonian citizens will be required to complete an ETIAS application before they can board an aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle bound for Europe. This applies to travellers who will be transiting in Europe en route to other destinations as well.
Macedonian citizens who plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, business, transit or medical visits will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Schengen Visa and ETIAS are two different types of travel authorisations, with different eligibility criteria and application requirements. A Schengen visa is a traditional visa that allows a person to stay in the Schengen area for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued by a consulate or embassy of a Schengen country, and the application process can be time-consuming and complex.
On the other hand, ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorisation system that allows citizens of certain countries, including Macedonia, to enter the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without the need for a traditional visa. Therefore, it is important for Macedonian citizens to understand the difference between the two and to apply for the appropriate travel authorisation based on their travel plans and purpose.
Additional information can be obtained by visiting the ETIAS website, https://etias.co.uk/, and using the homepage assessment tool. To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is recommended that Macedonian citizens apply for ETIAS at least 96 hours before their planned departure date. To avoid any delays or potential rejection of their application, it is advisable for individuals to review the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s before beginning the application process.
As of 2025, only those who possess full Macedonian citizenship will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS. The application process, which can be completed online, typically yields a response within minutes. Once approved, the authorisation will be sent via email in the form of a PDF document. There will be no need for any physical documents as the ETIAS will be stored electronically in the European Immigration system, linked to the passport details provided.
Benefits of ETIAS
- The ETIAS authorisation is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.
- The ETIAS allows for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
- Quickly approved and sent electronically.
- The ETIAS application process can be completed on various devices such as a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- It is recommended to submit an ETIAS application at least 96 hours before the departure date.
- If an ETIAS application is denied, a full visitor visa can still be obtained.
- The final decision on entry to Europe is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, even if an ETIAS has been granted.