ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorization System helps strengthen border protection in Europe. Visitors who do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization. This ETIAS visa exemption program is planned to be fully implemented towards the end of 2022 and will be mandatory to enter a country that is a member of the Schengen area.
The European travel authorization system or ETIAS will cross-check traveler’s information against a series of security databases including Europol, Interpol, the Schengen Information System, Eurodac, and the Visa Information System.
Which countries will ETIAS be compulsory for?
The ETIAS will be valid for short stays for leisure or business purposes. Those who wish to study and work in Europe for more than 90 consecutive days will need to apply for a different visa. Travelers will be allowed to travel to nearly 60 countries. They will need to complete an ETIAS application online.
It is likely that more countries will be added to this list in the future.
ETIAS aims to improve border security in Europe. With the travel authorization, visa-exempt persons will have to undergo a security check before arriving in the EU.
How to aply for ETIAS?
To apply for ETIAS online, it is necessary to have a valid passport, email address and a debit or credit card to pay the fees.You will have to follow the steps to create your ETIAS and fill in your contact details (full name, date of birth …). You will also be asked some health and safety questions. Requests are processed within minutes. Once generated, your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years after its creation.
What if my ETIAS is denied?
ETIAS application process may result in having the applicant’s entry into the Schengen Area denied.
If an application has been refused, additional documentation might be requested from the applicant. The traveler will have 96 hours to provide it, and the national authority of the respective Schengen member country will have four weeks to make a decision. In case of denial, the applicant has the right to appeal.
Possible reasons for denied ETIAS are:
- Applicant provided incomplete or inaccurate information,
- Due to criminal background and other security concerns,
- Possible health reasons,
- Overstaying a previous trip in Europe can block access.
Thus, in order to avoid ETIAS application rejection double-check your information, make sure everything is written properly, answer questions truthfully, avoid leaving any blanks and don’t overstay the maximum permitted stay on any trip to Europe.
