ETIAS Eligibility

  • The Solomon Islands will be a launch member of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
  • In 2025, Solomon Islander citizens will become eligible to apply for ETIAS.
  • Using the online application system provided by ETIAS, Solomon Islander citizens will benefit from a more efficient and streamlined process for obtaining travel authorization.
  • The ETIAS system will provide greater freedom of movement for Solomon Islander citizens within the European Union and enhance security measures for all travelers.
  • EU countries will conduct pre-travel screening of visa-free travelers through ETIAS, which will help to identify potential security risks and prevent unwanted individuals from entering the EU.

Other ETIAS Requirements

  • Solomon Islanders can apply for the ETIAS through an online application process.
  • The ETIAS authorization allows individuals to enter Europe through air, sea, or overland travel, as long as they have a machine-readable e-passport.
  • ETIAS is specifically designed for short-term travel purposes to Europe, such as tourism, business, transit, or medical visits.
  • Individuals who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 are exempt from paying the fee for the ETIAS authorization.

Starting in 2025, citizens of Solomon Islands will be required to apply for an ETIAS in order to enter participating European countries on a short-term basis for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes. The objective of the ETIAS program is to scrutinize travelers arriving from abroad in response to the worldwide escalation in terrorist acts.

The ETIAS program was first approved in 2016 and has taken four years to develop the required systems that would tie in with existing immigration databases and other security data. The program aims to provide a seamless new screening tool across participating European countries. It is intended to enhance security measures by identifying potential security risks before travelers arrive at their destination. The screening process will allow authorities to identify individuals who may pose a threat and deny them entry to the participating European countries.

The implementation of the ETIAS program is a significant step forward in the effort to combat terrorism. As the number of terrorist attacks around the world continues to rise, governments are looking for ways to prevent such attacks from happening in their own countries. The ETIAS program is an example of one such effort, designed to increase security measures and reduce the risk of terrorist attacks in participating European countries.

The program is not designed to prevent legitimate travelers from entering participating European countries. On the contrary, it is designed to make the process of entering these countries easier and more efficient for travelers. By screening travelers before they arrive at their destination, the program can reduce the time it takes to clear customs and immigration, allowing travelers to begin their trip sooner.

Starting in 2025, citizens of the Solomon Islands will be required to complete an ETIAS application before boarding any aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle headed to Europe. This requirement will apply to all travelers, including those who are only transiting through Europe en route to other destinations. The purpose of the ETIAS program is to provide an added layer of security to participating European countries, which is particularly important in the current global climate of increased terrorist activity.

Solomon Islander citizens who wish to enter Europe for a duration of over 90 days, or for purposes other than those allowed under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

To apply for an ETIAS, Solomon Islander citizens can visit the website https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment to determine if they are eligible to apply. The website also provides additional details on the ETIAS program, including the requirements for the application and the processing time.

To avoid any delays or the risk of an ETIAS application being refused, it is advised that Solomon Islander citizens review the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s prior to starting their application. These resources provide important information on the application process and the documentation that is required to complete the application. By reviewing these resources in advance, travelers can ensure that they have all the necessary information and documentation to complete their application correctly.

In 2025, it will be a requirement for individuals to be full Solomon Islander citizens before they can apply for an ETIAS. This means that anyone who holds a passport or travel document with a different status may not be eligible to apply for an ETIAS and may need to obtain a full Schengen visitor visa instead. It is important for travelers to check their eligibility before making any travel arrangements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for entry.

For those who are eligible to apply for an ETIAS, the application process is straightforward. Solomon Islander citizens can expect their application to be processed and approved within minutes, and the authorization will be sent to them via email in the form of a PDF document. The ETIAS will be stored electronically against the passport details stored in the European Immigration system, so travelers do not need to print or present any physical documents when entering the participating European countries.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • ETIAS has a validity period of 3 years from the date of issue, which means that once approved, travelers can make multiple trips to Europe without having to reapply for a new authorization.
  • With ETIAS, travelers can make multiple entries into the Schengen Area, with each entry allowing a stay of up to 90 days. This means that visitors can travel in and out of the region without worrying about the duration of their stay or the number of entries they have left. 
  • The application process for ETIAS is fast and convenient, with most applications being authorized within minutes. Additionally, once approved, the authorization is delivered electronically, making it easy to access and show at border control.
  • Applying for ETIAS is simple and can be done on a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device. This feature ensures that travelers can apply for their authorization at their convenience and from anywhere in the world.

Advice to keep in mind when applying for an ETIAS:

  • It is important to submit your ETIAS application at least 96 hours before your scheduled departure. This will allow enough time for your application to be processed and approved.
  • If your ETIAS application is denied for any reason, don’t worry. You can still apply for a full visitor visa to enter Europe.
  • Keep in mind that having an approved ETIAS does not guarantee entry into Europe. The final decision on whether to allow you entry into a particular European country is always made by the border security personnel of that country.