Introduction

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new electronic travel authorisation system that is expected to launch in 2025. However, many travelers are confused as to whether they will require ETIAS or the Schengen Visa to travel within the greater European area.

ETIAS is designed specifically for travelers who can currently travel to Europe without a visa. Its primary aim is to enhance security within the Schengen Area by identifying potential security risks and health-related issues before travelers arrive. This new electronic travel authorization system will require travelers to complete an online application form and provide personal information such as their name, address, passport details, and travel itinerary.

In contrast, the Schengen Visa is a visa that is required for travelers who are unable to travel to EU countries without a visa. The Schengen Area comprises 27 European nations that have eliminated border controls between themselves. Travelers who require a Schengen Visa are required to apply for the visa at a European Union (EU) embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa application process involves providing personal information, such as passport details and travel itinerary, and paying a fee.

ETIAS Overview

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was proposed in 2016 as a measure to strengthen the security of travel to the EU and the Schengen Region from countries that currently do not require a visa for such travel. The aim is to ensure that citizens of countries outside the European Union who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe are properly screened for security purposes.

Currently, citizens of 60 countries can travel to and within Europe without a visa by simply presenting a valid passport. However, background information on these visitors is minimal or non-existent, making it difficult for European authorities to assess potential risks associated with such travel.

With the implementation of ETIAS, intending visitors will have to complete a detailed online form and provide personal information such as criminal records and details of visits to conflict areas. This is necessary to apply for ETIAS approval to travel to Europe. Before being granted approval, ETIAS applications undergo extensive checks across a multitude of databases, which include Interpol and Europol.

Once the application is approved, the ETIAS is electronically attached to the applicant’s passport, and it remains valid for five years or until the passport expires. This process will ensure that the European Union has a better understanding of who is entering the region, thereby enhancing the security of travel within the region.

The Schengen Visa

The Schengen area and the European Union are often confused with one another due to the similarities they share. However, there is a significant difference between the two, which is crucial to understand. The Schengen area comprises 27 countries that have abolished border controls between them. In contrast, the European Union is an economic and political union of 27 member states.

Most of the countries belonging to the Schengen area are also members of the European Union. However, there are five exceptions to this rule. The Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania are European Union members but not part of the Schengen area group. Nevertheless, Bulgaria and Romania are currently in the process of joining.

On the other hand, there are countries that are part of the Schengen area but are not members of the European Union. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen area, and their citizens enjoy the freedom of movement between both the Schengen area and the European Union.

It is essential to understand that citizens of both Schengen countries and EU member states require neither ETIAS or Schengen Visas to travel in Europe. This means that these citizens can travel freely across these regions without having to go through the hassle of obtaining a visa or an ETIAS permit.

Comparison between ETIAS and Schengen Visa

As of 2025, citizens of 60 countries who are currently exempt from visa requirements to travel to Europe will need authorization to enter the Schengen Area. This authorization will come in the form of either ETIAS or a Schengen Visa. It is important to note that visitors will only need one of these authorizations, as it is an either/or situation.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a new system that will be implemented in 2025 to improve security and streamline the visa application process for travelers. Those who hold an ETIAS authorization will not require a Schengen Visa to travel to any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area. The ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years and will allow multiple entries within that time period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.

On the other hand, for those who are not eligible for or do not have an ETIAS authorization, a Schengen Visa will be required. The Schengen Visa is a document that allows visitors to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa application process can be time-consuming and requires submitting various documents and attending an in-person appointment at the relevant embassy or consulate.

Main Contrasts between ETIAS and Schengen Visas

The ETIAS system is an electronic system that is linked to the traveler’s passport. This system allows non-EU citizens to enter and travel within the European Union. However, it is important to note that if the passport holder is not an EU citizen, the ETIAS system does not necessarily grant access to the Schengen area.

In contrast, the Schengen Visa is manually entered into the passport and allows travel within the 27 member states of the Schengen area. However, one significant difference between the two systems is that the Schengen Visa is specific to the country applied for and may not be valid for other Schengen countries. Therefore, if a traveler wishes to visit multiple Schengen countries, it is necessary to apply for a visa at the embassy of the country in which they plan to spend the most time.

Furthermore, while the ETIAS system allows travel throughout Europe, the Schengen Visa only allows travel within the Schengen area. This means that with an ETIAS, a traveler can visit countries like Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, which are not part of the Schengen area. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the Schengen Visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within the Schengen area during a six-month period following the first day of entry.

Application Process for ETIAS and Schengen Visa

When planning a trip to Europe, obtaining the necessary documentation is crucial. Two popular options are the ETIAS and Schengen Visa. While both systems provide access to Europe, the application process differs significantly.

An application for ETIAS can be completed online in approximately twenty minutes. The form requires basic personal information, such as name and date of birth, as well as details about any world conflict zones visited and any criminal record. Additionally, the first destination country in Europe must be specified. Following the submission of an ETIAS application, an extensive examination of the provided information is carried out across various databases. The applicant is typically notified of the application’s approval or denial within minutes, but if a manual review is necessary, it may take several weeks to receive a response.

On the other hand, obtaining a Schengen Visa requires applicants to visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country in person to complete the application process. As the process is not automated, it can take six weeks or more before the visa is issued. In addition to basic personal information, there are other requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa. The passport must have a minimum of two blank pages for entry and exit stamps, and it must be valid for the three-month period past the date of visa expiry. Furthermore, for a long-stay residence permit application, it is essential that the passport remains valid until the visa expires.

The Complexity of Schengen Visa Types

Traveling to Europe requires obtaining the proper documentation, such as the ETIAS or the Schengen Visa. While these systems provide access to Europe, there are differences between them that can cause added confusion. One such difference is the existence of different variations of the Schengen Visa, each with varying conditions and restrictions.

Unlike the ETIAS, which only exists in one electronic format, the Schengen Visa has various categories. One category, known as Category A, grants permission for the holder to transit through an airport in a Schengen country. However, the holder is not allowed to stay in that country or even leave the airport. This type of visa is suitable for those who are only transiting through a Schengen airport and do not require entry into the country.

Another category, Category C, is a short-term visa for staying in a Schengen member country and has sub-categories. The Single Entry Visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen area only once within a given time frame, and the visa expires once the holder leaves. The Double Entry Visa allows entry into and exit from the Schengen area twice, and the visa expires at the second exit. The Multiple Entry Visa allows multiple entries into and exits from the Schengen area for up to a maximum of 90 days in each 180-day period.

ETIAS or Schengen Visa for UK Citizens?

From 2022, UK citizens who are citizens of countries outside the EU and Schengen areas who do not require a visa for European travel must have a valid travel authorization to enter and travel within Europe. This means that they will need to obtain an approved ETIAS authorization before travelling to or within Europe. The ETIAS application process is simple, requiring personal information, details of conflict zones visited, any criminal records, and the first destination in Europe. Alternatively, UK citizens can apply for a Schengen Visa, which is country-specific and not valid for all Schengen countries.