ETIAS Application Form Overview

Introduction

The ETIAS system is being established to improve the security of the European Union and is particularly aimed at those third-country nationals who are looking to visit for business or tourist reasons. The scheme works in a similar way to the United States ESTA system and requires visitors to provide background information which will then be used to assess possible security, terrorist, or criminal risks. 

Sixty third-country nationalities will require ETIAS-approved passports in order to gain entry into any EU member state from 2021 and the UK is set to join this list once Brexit officially takes effect.

ETIAS Application Form

In order to successfully apply for an ETIAS visa, prospective applicants must have all of the necessary information and documents prepared in advance. This includes a valid email address which is required for submitting and receiving approval from the application form. Additionally, the process itself consists of a detailed questionnaire which must be filled out completely with:

  • Valid passport
  • Working email address
  • Credit or debit card

At the moment, the draft application form requires certain information and details that may still be subject to modification. In order to ensure a successful process, the applicant is expected to provide an array of specifics accurately.

Steps to Apply for ETIAS Visas

Come 2021, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be fully operational, allowing individuals from certain countries to travel to Schengen Area countries with an ETIAS visa. 

Before being granted entry, each applicant must complete a series of steps in order to ensure their eligibility and safety. This will include completing the online application form and providing a range of personal details which will be verified against multiple security databases. The information that must be supplied includes:

Personal Details

  • Full name, usual name, any given names, and birth surname (maiden name) in the case of a married individual or if their name has been changed since. Additionally, it includes other names or aliases that the person may use.
  • Home address. This includes the full street address, along with the city, state/province (if applicable), and zip/postal code.
  • Nationality (current).
  • Email address.
  • Contact phone number(s).
  • Date, place, and country of birth.
  • Education history, primary school through to higher level or none.
  • Gender.
  • Applicant’s parents’ names.
  • Other nationalities (if applicable).
  • Occupation (if applicable). This may include details such as the job title, the duties and responsibilities involved in that role, the name of the employer, and any other relevant facts. Students will need to supply comprehensive information regarding their current school or college.

Travel Documentation and Itineraries

In order to be eligible for ETIAS authorization, an individual must possess a current and valid passport or travel document. This document should have a minimum validity period of three months after the expected date of arrival in the nation covered by ETIAS. Applicants to this program need to present pertinent information when submitting their application. This includes:

  • Passport or travel document number, type, and country of issuance
  • The validity period of a travel document or passport, the issuing, and expiry dates.
  • The first country that the applicant will visit and/or the address of the lodging they will stay in on their first night.
  • The exact destination and final accommodation address may not be clear at the time of application for ETIAS approval. This is especially true for persons who are applying for the first time to travel for either leisure or business purposes. However, once such an application is approved, any subsequent trips do not need to be reported to ETIAS agencies.

Security Database Checks

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) seeks to bolster security throughout Europe. In light of this, applicants will be required to complete a section of the application detailing their criminal records, as well as any potential security risks that they may pose. 

All applications are thoroughly screened by a variety of police and security databases, both in the country where the application is made as well as through Interpol and Europol. Submitting an incomplete or untruthful answer will result in immediate refusal. The security background check covers areas such as:

Criminal convictions in the past decade, including:

  • Terrorism (in the past two decades). Specified details will be required, such as when and in which country the offenses occurred.
  • Criminal damage to persons or property
  • Murder
  • Sexual crimes involving children
  • Human trafficking
  • Drug trafficking
  • Rape
  • Money laundering

As part of the rigorous security screening process for applicants, people will be asked to provide:

  • Deportation orders from European member countries and/or third countries that require a visa for entry into the European zone.
  • Visiting and residing in areas affected by warfare or armed conflict in the last decade and the purpose of the trips or stays.

Applicants who answer ‘yes’ to the questions about criminal convictions, deportation orders, and visits to specific areas of conflict will be required to provide additional information by selecting from a range of predetermined responses. 

This is part of the application process to ensure that those seeking entrance into a country have not been involved in activities that might be deemed a security risk.

Health Checks

Applicants also need to provide comprehensive information about any medical conditions they might be suffering from, including:

  • Serious illness
  • Infectious diseases
  • Contagious parasitic diseases

As the implementation of this list draws nearer, the range of medical conditions that are anticipated to lead to refusal is expected to expand.

Minors

The application process for minors who are seeking ETIAS approval is generally identical to that of adult applicants. The form must be completed by the parent or guardian who has responsibility for the child. Further information that needs to be included is:

  • The details of the legal guardian or parent of an individual, in order to ensure that this person is legally responsible for them. This includes their full name, physical address, email address, and at least one telephone number where they can be reached.
  • Relationship of the applicant to the adult completing the form(daughter, son, etc.)

Final Check

Before submitting an application form, applicants must make sure they double-check all the details they have provided. This includes correctness and accuracy in the information as any discrepancies or mistakes may lead to a refusal of entry. 

Additionally, verifying that one understands the conditions of entry for the particular destination country is essential. This might involve providing additional documentation, such as medical records, hotel booking information, flight details, and other relevant documents upon arrival. All these must be taken into account when applying for ETIAS.

Submission

Once the application form is completed to its entirety, applicants can choose to submit it electronically. This can be done either directly by the candidate or through a trusted and verified third-party commercial intermediary. The exact fee for this process has yet to be officially declared but is expected to be around €7 EUR, and payment must be made in the form of a credit or debit card.

The applicant’s email address which is included in the submission form will be used to confirm or reject the application. Usually, a response can be expected within only a few hours after submitting the form. In case there are any issues with the details entered, such as mistakes or omissions, they will also be notified to the applicant via the same email address. 

After obtaining ETIAS authorization, it will remain valid for three years or until the expiration date of the passport – whichever comes first. When that time is up, a new application (which involves paying another fee) must be filled out to renew the authorization.

Conclusion

Submitting an ETIAS application can be an overwhelming process, as it requires the gathering of proper documents, adequate time to complete the form, and a thorough understanding of all the questions asked. 

If the individual is unable to apply for ETIAS themselves, they may turn to a friend, family member, or other third parties for help with their application. It is essential that applicants submit their forms at least 72 hours prior to boarding a plane bound for anETIAS member country.