Eligibility of ETIAS

  • As a launch member, Palau will participate in the ETIAS program.
  • Citizens of Palau will have the opportunity to apply for ETIAS in 2025.
  • Applying for ETIAS will be made easier for Palauan citizens through the use of an online application system.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Online application for ETIAS is available to Palauan citizens.
  • An ETIAS is valid for all modes of travel to Europe, including air, sea, and land.
  • An electronic passport that can be read by machines is required for travellers.
  • ETIAS covers short visits for tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.
  • ETIAS is provided free of charge for applicants who are under 18 or over 70 years old.

Starting in 2025, Palauan citizens who wish to visit participating European countries for short-term purposes, such as tourism, business, transit, or medical visits, will be required to apply for an ETIAS. This new requirement is part of the European Union’s efforts to enhance its security measures and screen travellers from overseas in light of the global increase in terrorist activities. This will allow the European Union to make sure that they meet the criteria for entry into the participating countries.

The ETIAS program is a new initiative aimed at enhancing security measures for travellers entering Europe. Europe has been experiencing terrorist attacks in recent years, and the ETIAS aims to address this issue by screening travellers from overseas. 

The information collected through the ETIAS application process includes personal details such as name, date of birth, and passport information. Additionally, the application will also ask questions related to the traveller’s background, including criminal history, employment and education history, and travel history. This information will be used to perform security and background checks on each applicant, which will allow the European Union to determine whether or not they pose a threat to the region.

Moreover, the information collected will be shared among the relevant EU and international security and law enforcement agencies to help detect and prevent potential security threats. The ETIAS program will also help to streamline the entry process, allowing for faster and more efficient processing of travellers arriving in Europe. The system will be fully automated, allowing for quick and easy processing of applications and reducing wait times for travellers.

By implementing the ETIAS program, the European Union is taking an important step in enhancing its security measures and ensuring the safety of its citizens and visitors. The information collected through the application process will provide the authorities with valuable insights into the background and potential risk of travellers entering Europe, allowing them to make informed decisions about granting entry.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was given the green light in 2016. Since then, the participating European countries had worked for four years to establish a comprehensive screening system that integrates with the current immigration databases and security data. This system will be a seamless tool for screening travellers entering Europe and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

Starting from 2025, the ETIAS program will be mandatory for all travellers who plan to enter participating European countries by air, sea, or land. By completing the ETIAS application, travellers will have their information screened and security checks performed, allowing the European Union to determine whether they pose a threat to the region.

For visits exceeding 90 days or for reasons not covered under the ETIAS program, Palauan citizens will have to apply for a Schengen visa. They can access more information by visiting https://etias.co.uk/ and utilizing the homepage assessment feature.

To avoid any potential setbacks or rejections, it is highly recommended that Palauan citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their intended departure. All relevant details and information can be found on the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s. It is advisable to review these resources prior to beginning the ETIAS application process.

In order to apply for the ETIAS program in 2025, it will be mandatory for individuals to hold full Palauan citizenship. Those who possess passports or travel documents with a different status may not be eligible for the ETIAS program and instead will have to apply for a Schengen visitor visa.

It is important to note that the ETIAS program is only intended for short-term visits to Europe, under 90 days, for purposes such as tourism, business, transit or medical treatment. Therefore, travellers with a different citizenship status or those who plan on staying in Europe for an extended period may not qualify for the ETIAS program. To ensure that your travel plans to Europe are not impacted, it is advisable to verify your eligibility for the ETIAS program or check if a Schengen visitor visa is required.

The application process is straightforward and efficient, with most approvals being granted within minutes. The authorisation, once approved, will be sent to the applicant in the form of a PDF document via email.

The beauty of ETIAS is that it is an electronic system, meaning there is no need to print out any documents or carry around physical copies. The information will be kept electronically on the passport details in the European immigration system.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • An ETIAS is valid for a period of 3 years from the date it is issued.
  • The ETIAS visa waiver allows for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
  • The ETIAS visa waiver is received quickly with electronic delivery.
  • The ETIAS application can be submitted through desktop, tablet, or mobile devices.

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 visitor visa.
  • The final decision for entry into Europe is determined by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, regardless of an ETIAS authorisation.