Eligibility of ETIAS

  • El Salvador will be among the initial nations to introduce the ETIAS program.
  • In 2025, Salvadoran citizens will have the opportunity to apply for ETIAS.
  • Salvadoran citizens will enjoy the convenience of applying for ETIAS through an online application system.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • It will be possible for Salvadoran citizens to apply for ETIAS through the internet.
  • ETIAS permits to travel to Europe via air, sea, or land.
  • An e-passport that is machine-readable is one of the requirements for travellers.
  • ETIAS is intended for short visits including tourism, business, transit, and medical.
  • ETIAS will be provided without charge to applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years of age.

Starting in 2025, Salvadoran citizens who wish to enter participating European countries for short stays of less than 90 days, including tourism, business, transit, and medical visits, will be required to obtain an ETIAS. This measure has been introduced in response to the growing global concern about terrorism.

The rise of terrorism has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among citizens, as well as disrupted economic activities and global trade. Terrorist attacks can occur at any time and place and have a lasting impact on people’s lives and their confidence in their safety and security. In order to address this issue, many countries have implemented various security measures, including increased surveillance and border control, to prevent individuals with malicious intent from entering their territory.

However, these measures can also lead to delays and inconvenience for law-abiding travellers, who often have to undergo multiple security checks and wait for extended periods of time at border control points. In response to these challenges, the EU has implemented the ETIAS program. The ETIAS program is a comprehensive system that checks travellers against various databases, including immigration, law enforcement, and terrorism watchlists. 

This process helps the EU assess better the risk posed by travellers and determine whether they pose a threat to public safety, while also making the travel process more efficient and streamlined for law-abiding citizens. The ETIAS program is an essential step towards maintaining security and stability in Europe, while also improving the overall travel experience for its citizens.

The ETIAS program is a screening tool that has been designed to enhance security and safety across participating European countries. It was approved in 2016 and has taken four years to develop the necessary systems that would tie in with existing immigration databases and other security data. The goal of the ETIAS program is to provide a seamless and efficient new screening process for travellers from abroad.

In 2025, the ETIAS program will go into effect, requiring citizens of El Salvador to complete an ETIAS application before they are able to travel to Europe. This includes travellers who are simply transiting through Europe on their way to other destinations. The ETIAS application will need to be completed prior to boarding an aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle for Europe.

Salvadoran citizens seeking to travel to Europe for a period exceeding 90 days, or for purposes outside the scope of the ETIAS program, will have to apply for a Schengen visa. Information on the requirements and application process can be found on the ETIAS website, https://etias.co.uk/.

It is recommended that Salvadoran citizens submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to their departure. This can help to avoid potential delays or the risk of having their ETIAS application rejected. The ETIAS website offers a comprehensive resource of information, including a list of requirements and frequently asked questions, to help ensure a smooth and successful ETIAS application. Before starting an ETIAS application, it is important for travellers to review this information to ensure that they are fully prepared.

In 2025, the requirement for ETIAS applicants will be full Salvadoran citizenship. Travellers who hold a passport or travel document with a different status may need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, rather than an ETIAS.

It is crucial that travellers verify their citizenship status before beginning the ETIAS application process to avoid any potential issues. Failure to meet the requirements may result in the rejection of the ETIAS application, or the need to apply for a Schengen visa instead. By ensuring that they meet the eligibility criteria, Salvadoran citizens can make the most of the streamlined and convenient ETIAS application process and enjoy hassle-free travel to Europe.

From 2025, Salvadoran citizens will be able to apply for an ETIAS online, which is a quick and convenient process. The application is expected to be processed and approved within minutes, and the authorisation is then sent to the traveller via email. The authorisation comes in the form of a PDF document and is stored electronically in the European Immigration system, so there is no need to print or present any physical documents.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • An ETIAS authorisation remains valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance.
  • An ETIAS allows multiple entries within a 90-day period.
  • ETIAS authorisations are processed quickly and delivered electronically.
  • Can be applied through various devices such as desktops, tablets, or mobile phones.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended to submit the ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to departure.
  • Travellers who are denied an ETIAS can still apply for a full visitor visa.
  • The final entry decision to Europe still lies with the border security personnel of the country of arrival, even with an ETIAS authorisation.