ETIAS DEFINITION

ETIAS is short for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, which is a comprehensive electronic system that allows and also tracks visitors from other countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. The legal procedures necessary to approve ETIAS began in 2016 and the system will most likely be ready by 2021.

ETIAS will undergo a security check for each applicant to determine whether or not they should be allowed to enter any of the Schengen Zone countries. ETIAS helps to ensure that the people allowed are not a threat to the security of the country. ETIAS will be used primarily for tourism and business purposes and will also benefit people visiting Schengen Zone countries for medical or transit reasons.

PURPOSE OF ETIAS

The ETIAS authorization was made to prioritize the security of EU countries to help ensure safe travel. ETIAS helps alleviate security concerns through its data collection and information systems that help detect whether a specific person is a threat of some kind to the security of the Schengen Zone countries.

The ETIAS authorization also helps travelers and EU countries by reducing necessary procedures and application time, improving border management of EU countries, assisting in the detection and reduction of terrorism and crime. , helping to prevent irregular migration and also by strengthening the EU’s policy on visa liberalization. Therefore, the ETIAS authorization helps make traveling to EU countries a safe and hassle-free experience.

WHO WILL REQUIRE ETIAS?

ETIAS is aimed at citizens of countries that can enter the EU area without a visa. There are 62 countries on the list that need to get ETIAS authorization, such as Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Vatican City State, Hong Kong, SAR and many more. By the time the system launches, which is expected to be in 2021, more countries may be added to this list.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ETIAS

ETIAS applications can be completed online in around 10 minutes. Depending on your citizenship, there are certain fields that must be completed. The main requirements are: biometric information such as first name, last name, date and place of birth together with information on the person’s citizenship, address, email, phone number, education and work experience, the first EU country that the person intends to visit, background and eligibility questions along with inquiring about medical conditions, travel to countries at war or places from which the person was rejected or deported, and inquiry for criminal history information.

In the case of minors, their legal guardian must apply for ETIAS. In case there are relatives of any EU citizen in other countries, proof of relationship, residence card and any other background information must be presented if necessary. Always check if the information submitted is correct and also be sure to check your eligibility and risk factors.