Eligibility of ETIAS
- Tonga will be among the initial countries to launch ETIAS.
- In 2025, Tongan citizens will have the opportunity to obtain ETIAS eligibility.
- The online application system for ETIAS will be a convenient benefit for Tongan citizens.
Other Requirements for ETIAS
- Applying for ETIAS authorisation can be done online by Tongan citizens.
- Arrival to Europe by air, sea, or overland can be made with a valid ETIAS.
- An e-passport that can be read by a machine is a must for travellers.
- Short visits for tourists, business, transit, and medical purposes can be made with ETIAS.
- The ETIAS visa waiver is free of charge for applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years old.
From 2025 onward, Tongan citizens who plan to visit participating European countries for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes, with a stay of fewer than 90 days, will need to apply for an ETIAS. This requirement is a result of the European Union’s effort to enhance its security measures in response to the global rise in terrorism incidents.
To mitigate these risks and prevent further attacks, many countries have implemented measures to enhance their security and screening processes, such as the ETIAS program. The implementation of such measures demonstrates a commitment to preserving the safety and security of citizens, residents, and visitors.
During the ETIAS application process, the applicants need to provide personal and biographical information, as well as their travel history. This information is then screened against various security databases and watchlists to determine if there is any risk associated with the individual’s travel to the European Union. The information collected during the ETIAS application process will also be used to monitor the movement of travellers within the EU and ensure that they comply with the terms of their ETIAS authorisation. The collection and processing of personal information are done in accordance with strict privacy regulations, and the information is kept secure and confidential.
This new measure is an important step for the European Union to strengthen its border control, and the benefits for Tongan citizens are evident. With a valid ETIAS, travellers can enter the participating European countries with ease, without having to undergo lengthy and time-consuming procedures at the border. The introduction of ETIAS is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and security of both EU citizens and visitors alike.
The European Union approved the creation of the ETIAS program in 2016, with the intention of strengthening the security of the EU and its citizens. The development of this program has taken four years as it required significant resources and technological advancements, including the integration of various immigration databases and security data. The result of these efforts is a comprehensive and seamless screening tool that will be implemented across participating European countries.
From 2025, Tongan citizens must obtain an ETIAS before traveling to Europe by air, sea, or coach, including those who are only transiting in Europe on the way to other destinations.
For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes other than those covered by the ETIAS program, such as work or study, Tongan nationals must apply for a Schengen visa. For more information about this process, you can visit the official ETIAS website at https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment tool.
To ensure a smooth and seamless application process, it is recommended that Tongan citizens complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their planned departure date. To help with this process, the ETIAS website provides a detailed requirements page and a frequently asked questions section that is available for anyone to review. These resources will help to ensure that you are fully prepared to complete your application and avoid any delays or the risk of it being refused.
For Tongan citizens looking to travel to Europe in 2025, it will be a requirement to hold full Tongan citizenship in order to apply for an ETIAS. As a result, people who possess a passport or other form of travel with a different status might not be qualified for the ETIAS program and might have to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead.
It is important for individuals to carefully review their citizenship status before starting the ETIAS application process, to ensure that they meet the required criteria and can take advantage of the streamlined process offered by the ETIAS program. By considering their eligibility ahead of time, travellers can avoid any potential delays or complications in their travel plans. It is advisable to also familiarize oneself with the full requirements and guidelines of the ETIAS program prior to starting the application process.
Starting in 2025, Tongan citizens travelling to Europe can expect a swift and streamlined process for obtaining their ETIAS. With the implementation of the ETIAS program, the application process can be completed within a matter of minutes and authorisation received via email.
The authorization will be emailed as a PDF document and electronically kept in the European immigration system alongside the passport information. This eliminates the need for travellers to carry any physical documents, as their ETIAS information will be readily available in the system.
Benefits of ETIAS
- The validity of an ETIAS lasts for 3 years from the date of issuance.
- An ETIAS allows multiple entries into Europe, with each stay limited to a maximum of 90 days.
- The ETIAS authorisation process is fast and the authorisation is sent electronically.
- The application is available on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- It’s recommended to submit the ETIAS application at least 96 hours (4 days) prior to the departure date.
- Travellers can still opt for a full visitor visa even if their ETIAS application is denied.
- Border security personnel at the European country of arrival have the final say in granting entry, regardless of having an ETIAS.