The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS for short, is a new travel authorisation system that will be implemented by the European Union starting in 2024. ETIAS is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) used by the United States, or the eTA used by Canada, and is designed to improve border security and simplify the process of entering the EU for travellers from certain countries.
The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of more than 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, who are currently able to travel to the EU without a visa. It will not apply to citizens of EU member states, who are free to travel within the EU without any additional documentation.
The ETIAS will require travellers to apply for authorisation before their trip, providing basic personal and travel information, as well as answering questions related to their health, criminal record, and travel history. The application process will be entirely online, and the fee for obtaining an ETIAS will be €7.
The main purpose of the ETIAS is to improve border security and prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a risk to public health or security. The system will allow European Union authorities to screen travellers before they arrive, identifying any potential security threats or health risks.
In addition to improving security, the ETIAS will also make travel to the EU simpler and more convenient for travellers. Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years, and travellers will be able to visit any country within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa. This means that travellers will be able to move freely between countries within the Schengen Area, without needing to go through border control each time they cross a border.
It is important to note that the ETIAS is not a visa, and will not guarantee entry into the EU. Travellers will still be subject to border control checks upon arrival, and may be denied entry if they do not meet the necessary requirements.
In conclusion, the ETIAS is a new travel authorisation system that will be implemented by the European Union starting in 2022. The system will be mandatory for citizens of more than 60 countries, and will require travellers to apply for authorisation before their trip. The main purpose of the ETIAS is to improve border security and prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a risk to public health or security. However, it will also make travel to the EU simpler and more convenient for travellers, allowing them to move freely between countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa.