The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, better known as ETIAS, is set to be launched in 2025. The new travel pre-approval system will be digital, requiring intending visitors to Europe to complete and submit an online application form along with the associated fee. The current cost of an ETIAS application is €7. Unlike traditional visa applications which typically must be done in person, the ETIAS application can be done entirely online.
Individuals who wish to apply for ETIAS travel authorization will need a computer, an internet connection, and a way to pay the fee online. However, many people today use mobile devices for their internet activities and may find it difficult to complete an online application using a phone or tablet. The upcoming ETIAS mobile app will provide a solution for these individuals, allowing them to easily apply for travel authorization using their mobile devices.
ETIAS launches in 2025
ETIAS is a new travel authorization system that will be implemented by the European Union in 2025. ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic approval linked to a passport that allows individuals to enter and travel within the European Union and Schengen Area. The main purpose of ETIAS is to enhance security and help prevent criminal and terrorist activity across Europe. Travelers from eligible countries will be required to obtain ETIAS approval before they can enter the Schengen Area.
Citizens of the European Union and Schengen regions will not be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization, as they are already exempt from the new system. However, non-EU and Schengen passport holders will soon be required to apply for and obtain an ETIAS approval before they can visit Europe. Countries that are not members of the European Union or the Schengen Area are now considered “third countries,” and their citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS approval before they can enter Europe.
Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, it is now considered a “third country” for the purposes of the ETIAS travel authorization system. This means that British nationals will be required to obtain ETIAS approval before they can visit Europe, starting sometime in 2025. During the first six months, the ETIAS requirement will not be strictly enforced, as this will be a transition period. However, starting in early 2025, it will become mandatory for British citizens to have ETIAS approval in order to enter Europe.
Work In Progress
While it is expected that most ETIAS applications will be completed using a computer, due to the simplicity and reduced likelihood of errors, a mobile app is also in the works. However, the development of the mobile app is still ongoing and it is not yet available for use. As more and more people are using mobile phones for their daily activities, the ETIAS mobile app will provide a convenient way for travelers to apply for travel authorization using their mobile devices.
The European Union Commission has announced that a mobile app will be developed as an alternative way for travelers to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. However, the Commission has not provided any details about the progress of the app’s development or when it will be released to the public. It is currently unclear when the ETIAS mobile app will be available for use.
Information Requested
The details of the upcoming ETIAS mobile app are currently limited, and no specific release date has been announced. However, once the app is available, it will provide users with the standard ETIAS application form, which will ask for basic information such as:
- Applicant’s name as well as alias
- Date of birth,
- Passport information: Number: date of issue and expiry
- Contact details: Address, email, phone number
- First destination country
One of the main goals of the ETIAS travel authorization system is to improve security in Europe. As part of the application process, individuals will be required to provide information about any previous convictions for criminal or terrorist offenses, as well as any periods of imprisonment. This information will be used to screen applicants and ensure that only those who pose no security threat are allowed to enter the Schengen Area.
Using the App
While applying for an ETIAS travel authorization using a computer is the recommended and simplest method, there may be situations where the mobile app will be more convenient. For example, the ETIAS app could be useful in the following scenarios:
- When you do not have access to a computer
- When you are on the go and need to apply for an ETIAS authorization quickly
- When you prefer to use a mobile device for completing online forms and transactions
- When you need to apply for ETIAS authorization for multiple people at the same time, using a mobile device is more convenient than using a computer.
There are a few countries in the greater European region that are neither members of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Area, and therefore do not require an ETIAS travel authorization for entry. However, these countries are relatively few in number, and a traveler who visits one of these countries may suddenly decide to enter a country that does require an ETIAS clearance. In such cases, the ETIAS mobile app could provide a convenient solution, allowing the traveler to quickly and easily apply for ETIAS authorization using their mobile device.
Availability and Languages
According to Article 16 of the ETIAS regulations, the ETIAS application form will be available in all of the official languages of the European Union and Schengen Area member states. This means that applicants will be able to complete the form in their own language, including English.
The ETIAS authorities have also stated that step-by-step guides and fact sheets will be published in a variety of languages, although it is not yet clear which languages will be included. Over sixty countries worldwide are now considered “third countries” by the European Union, and their citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization starting in 2025.
The ETIAS mobile app is currently in development, but no specific release date has been announced. It is expected that the app will be launched at the same time as the online ETIAS application form.
Once it is available, the ETIAS mobile app will provide a convenient way for travelers to apply for travel authorization using their mobile devices.
Installing the ETIAS Mobile App
The ETIAS mobile app will be available for download from major app marketplaces and stores, and will be compatible with both Apple and Android devices. The downloading process is the same as for any other app, and once it is installed, an ETIAS icon will appear on the device’s home screen.
While the ETIAS mobile app may be useful in some situations, it is not expected to be the primary way that third-country citizens will apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. Most applicants are expected to complete the application process online, due to the convenience and ease of use.
Once the ETIAS mobile app is available, a link to the application will be provided on this page. This will allow users to easily access the app and apply for an ETIAS authorization using their mobile device.
Using the ETIAS Mobile App
Completing a detailed questionnaire on a small mobile device screen can be difficult, and it is more likely that mistakes will be made compared to using a larger computer screen. Mistakes such as spelling errors, incorrect info, and missed questions can occur when inputting information on a small screen and may result in the need to resubmit the application or even a rejection.
While the ETIAS mobile app can be used for submitting an application, its primary benefit is as a backup or for emergency situations when it is not possible to access a computer. With the app, it will be possible to check the validity or status of an ETIAS authorization, and also to update or modify the information as needed. While it is unlikely that this situation will arise, the ETIAS mobile app could save time, and stress in case of an emergency.