Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Paraguay will be among the initial countries to participate in ETIAS.
  • In 2025, Paraguayans will have the opportunity to apply for ETIAS.
  • An online application system will make ETIAS more accessible to Paraguayan citizens

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Online applications for ETIAS are available to Paraguayan citizens.
  • Air, sea, and land are all acceptable modes of arrival in Europe with the ETIAS
  • An e-passport that can be read by a machine is a requirement for travellers.
  • ETIAS is designed for short visits such as tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.
  • ETIAS visa waiver is free for applicants under 18 and over 70 years of age.

From 2025 onwards, Paraguayan citizens who plan on visiting participating European countries for short-term stays, up to 90 days, will be required to obtain an ETIAS. This new requirement is applicable to individuals travelling for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes.

The ETIAS program has been established in response to the growing concern over the increase in terrorist activities globally. In recent years, the threat of terrorism has become a major issue for countries around the world, and the EU is no exception. The implementation of ETIAS is aimed at preventing potential security risks by thoroughly screening travellers from non-EU countries before their arrival.

The screening process will check various databases, including criminal records, security databases, and migration databases, to determine if the individual presents a threat to the EU. The information gathered from the applicants will be shared with other EU member states, allowing for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to security. The sharing of this information will help to improve the overall security of the EU and ensure that travellers who pose a risk are prevented from entering.

It is also worth mentioning that the ETIAS program will not have an impact on travellers who have valid visas or who are already authorised to enter the EU. The program is specifically designed for those who are required to apply for ETIAS and does not apply to citizens of EU member states or those from countries with a visa-free agreement with the EU.

In addition to the security benefits, ETIAS also aims to streamline the travel process for non-EU citizens. The online application system is designed to be simple and efficient, allowing travellers to complete the process in just a few minutes. This will reduce wait times at borders and allow travellers to spend more time enjoying their trip.

The ETIAS program was given the green light back in 2016 and has been in the works ever since. It has taken four years for the necessary systems to be developed to ensure that the program integrates seamlessly with existing immigration databases and security data. This will provide a comprehensive new screening tool across the participating European countries.

Come 2025, Paraguayan citizens who plan to travel to Europe will be required to obtain an ETIAS prior to their journey. This includes travellers who will only be transiting in Europe en route to other destinations. Regardless of the purpose of the trip, whether it be for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes, all travellers will be required to complete an ETIAS application before boarding an aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle.

For Paraguayan citizens who are seeking to enter Europe for more than 90 days, or for reasons that are not included in the ETIAS program, a Schengen visa is required. The homepage assessment at https://etias.co.uk/ provides additional information on this process.

It is suggested that Paraguayan citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure. The ETIAS requirements page and the FAQ section on the ETIAS website have full details and should be consulted before beginning the application process to reduce the possibility of delays or a denied application.

It is recommended that Paraguayan citizens thoroughly review the ETIAS requirements page and the FAQ section before starting their ETIAS application, to ensure that all necessary information is available and to prevent any potential issues from arising during the application process.

In 2025, full Paraguayan citizenship will be a prerequisite for those wishing to apply for an ETIAS. This means that travellers holding a passport or travel document with a different status may not be eligible for an ETIAS and will instead need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa.

It’s crucial that Paraguayan citizens understand the specific requirements for obtaining an ETIAS, as only full citizens will be eligible for the program. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the need for a full Schengen visa, which has different requirements and may require more time to obtain.

From 2025, Paraguayan citizens will be able to apply for ETIAS authorisation, which typically takes only a matter of minutes to process and approve. The authorisation is sent by email, in the form of a PDF document, for convenience. It is not necessary for travellers to print or physically present their ETIAS authorisation, as it is stored electronically and linked to their passport details in the European Immigration system.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • An ETIAS authorisation is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance.
  • An ETIAS authorisation allows for multiple entries within a 90 day period.
  • Authorisation is granted quickly and delivered electronically.
  • ETIAS can be applied for using any device, be it a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended to complete the application 96 hours before your planned departure.
  • Travellers who are denied ETIAS can still apply for a full visitor visa.
  • The final decision of entry into Europe rests with the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, not the ETIAS.