Process for ETIAS Screening
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (also known as ETIAS,) is under development, with ongoing modifications and updates. The system is intended to be a screening process for individuals from “third countries” (countries outside the European Union) who currently do not need a visa to travel within the European region. It aims to enhance security and facilitate travel for these individuals.
While national border management and law enforcement databases do include some information about non-EU passport holders and those who require visas for travel to Europe, there is still a lack of detailed data about these visitors. ETIAS is a proposed solution to this issue, as it would provide more comprehensive information and enhance security for travelers to the European region.
Instead of individual European countries managing their own visa systems, which could be complex and potentially ineffective, ETIAS will collect data about non-EU travelers through the information provided on each ETIAS application. This centralized approach will allow for more efficient and effective screening processes.
The ETIAS Central Unit, managed by Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency), will house the collected information. This data will be utilized to make decisions on whether to grant or deny ETIAS authorization. The majority of applications are processed automatically through the use of computer algorithms that review the personal details provided in the form. In most cases, approval is granted without further review.
Screening Board for ETIAS
The process for screening applications is currently being finalized and will be further refined in the lead-up to the implementation of ETIAS. To ensure a smooth and effective process, a Screening Board will be formed to draft guidelines and regulations for granting ETIAS approval. The specific requirements for approval are still being determined.
The Screening Board, which will operate under the jurisdiction of Frontex, will include representatives from each ETIAS National Unit, Europol (the European Union’s agency for law enforcement cooperation), and Frontex itself. This board will serve in an advisory capacity and will be consulted on the assessment of potential terrorist, criminal, and health threats to Europe, as well as the creation of an ETIAS Watchlist that is currently in development.
Currently, visa-exempt visitors to Europe may be subjected to questioning or examination by border control authorities, but these officials often have limited information to go on. If all required documentation is in order and there are no security alerts related to the traveler, there is often little reason to refuse entry or to determine if the passport holder poses a risk in terms of criminal activity, terrorism, or public health.
ETIAS will bring about significant changes in this regard, as every detail in an application will be thoroughly checked and verified before permission to travel is granted. It is hoped that this will significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of undesirable individuals entering or moving freely within Europe.
Additionally, the implementation of ETIAS will allow for the collection and analysis of data on travelers to Europe, which can be used to identify potential threats and improve overall security. By having access to this information, authorities will be better equipped to make informed decisions on granting or denying travel authorization and monitor the movements of individuals within the region.
Travelers are Screened Based on ETIAS Risk Factors
Based on these data points, travelers will be screened based on the following risk factors:
- Travelers with abnormal rates of overstaying or refusing at the border of member states are identified by data from the Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Detailed information from ETIAS on travelers who have been refused entry by the immigration authorities is because of security concerns, illegal immigration, or other health-related issues.
- Comparison between the refusals and overstayers data from ETIAS and EES.
- Information on overstayers, refusals, and other travel risks reported by European Union member states.
- The ETIAS will utilize data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on disease outbreaks and other epidemiological information to identify potential health risks in affected countries.
ETIAS will also consider other risk factors when evaluating applications, such as the applicant’s age range, gender, nationality, country and city of birth or residence, level of education, and current employment or occupation.
The ETIAS will not use risk factors that are based solely on an individual’s age or gender. Factors related to identities, such as appearance, language, race, skin color, political or religious beliefs, disability, or sexual orientation, will be used to develop or assess risk factors.
There will be continuous reviews and assessments of ETIAS risk factors, usually every six months or less as needed.
The Screening Approach Of ETIAS
While the Screening Board is still in the process of developing and drafting regulations for ETIAS approval and refusal, it is expected that these will be similar to those already in place in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States needs applicants to provide extensive biographical details, including their name and address, date and place of birth, and current employment or study information. Travelers must also provide a travel itinerary and a point of contact in the US.
- To apply for an electronic travel authority (ETA) in Australia, individuals must provide standard personal information and must not have any criminal convictions resulting in a sentence of 12 months or more. They must also be free of tuberculosis.
- The electronic travel authorization (eTA) application process in Canada requires applicants to provide personal, travel, and contact information, as well as answer a series of background questions. These questions are intended to assess any criminal, terrorist, or health risks the applicant may pose, as well as potential immigration concerns.
ETIAS Screening Rules are likely to closely resemble the ESTA, ETA, and eTA models, and will include considerations of health issues, criminal records, and potential connections to terrorism or terrorist organizations. It is also expected that the rules will include information on any previous refusals of entry to a country and deportation orders. Furthermore, the ETIAS Screening Rules will also take into account an applicant’s current immigration status, as well as any previous refusals of visas or other travel documents. This information will be used to determine the applicant’s likelihood of complying with the terms of their travel authorization and to assess any potential risks they may pose to Europe.
Other factors that may be considered in the ETIAS Screening Rules include the applicant’s employment and financial status, as well as their travel plans and intended length of stay in Europe. Overall, the ETIAS Screening Rules aim to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks posed by travelers to ensure the safety and security of Europe.
Entry Is Not Guaranteed
It is estimated that approximately 95% of all ETIAS applications will be approved automatically unless the provided information is false or inaccurate or the applicant is notified on the ETIAS Watchlist or in the Central Unit database.
While it is mandatory to have a valid ETIAS, it does not guarantee automatic admission to the European or Schengen countries being visited. The final decision on whether to allow entry lies with border security services, which have the authority to refuse admission based on the rules of the Schengen Borders Code. If an individual is denied entry, they have the right to appeal the decision and have it reviewed by a higher authority.
Additionally, the border security services must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Schengen Borders Code, which outlines the conditions under which an individual can be denied entry. These rules are designed to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and that their rights are respected, even if they are ultimately denied entry.
Ultimately, the decision to allow or deny entry is a complex one that takes into account a variety of factors, including the individual’s purpose for travel, their length of stay, and their ability to support themselves financially during their visit.