The European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), requiring Americans and British travelers to obtain a travel authorisation before their departure.
Americans, and Britishers who always travelled visa free to the European regions, will soon need to produce travel authorisation This comes after the European Union announced that it is set to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) that will require all travelers from visa-free countries, including the USA and the US, to obtain such document before their departure.
That's right. As of May 2023, visa-free visits to Europe will no longer be valid for Americans and Britishers. Instead, they will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Europe.
The ETIAS is a new travel authorization system that will be implemented by the European Union in 2024. It is designed to improve security and border control within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their common borders.
The ETIAS application process is simple and online. Applicants will need to provide their personal details, travel information, and passport information. The application fee is €7 ($7.60).
ETIAS authorizations will be valid for three years and will allow travelers to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the ETIAS:
It is not a visa. It is a travel authorization that allows you to enter the Schengen Area.
You will need to apply for an ETIAS even if you are only visiting one Schengen country.
You can apply for an ETIAS up to 90 days before your travel date.
If you are denied an ETIAS, you will not be able to enter the Schengen Area.
The ETIAS is a new system, so there may be some teething problems when it is first implemented. However, it is a necessary step to improve security and border control within the Schengen Area.
I hope this helps!
All you need to know about ETIAS?
First, ETIAS is not traditional visa but a travel authorisation document.
How to apply: Unlike a traditional visa, ETIAS will introduce an online application process, where travelers will need to fill out a form with biographical information, travel plans, travel history, and security-related questions. The approval for most applicants is expected to be granted within an hour. However, in some cases, it may take up to four days if additional checks are required.
Cost: To acquire the travel authorisation, applicants will be required to pay a fee of $8, applicable to travelers of all ages in the US and for the UK travellers it will cost £6. Once approved, the travel authorization will remain valid for multiple entries over a span of three years or until the traveler's passport expires.
The system will launch from 2024. It was originally set to begin in 2022, but updates to travel infrastructure resulted in delays.
Why was ETIAS introduced?
The introduction of ETIAS aims to enhance security measures while facilitating smooth travel for visitors to Europe. By collecting essential information about travelers before their arrival, European authorities can assess potential risks and ensure the safety of both tourists and EU residents.
The ETIAS permit is available to 1.4 billion people from across 60 visa-exempt coutries and gives UK citizens the right to stay in Europe for up to 90 days within a 18-day period. It’s valid for three years during which you can return to Europe multiple times.