Frequently Asked Questions

How will ETIAS work in practice?

• What will travellers who are visa-exempt have to do before they travel?

  In order to enter an ETIAS member state, all travelers currently holding a visa-exempt status will now be required to complete an online application through a dedicated website or mobile app.

  The process of completing this form will take approximately ten minutes and should consist of a simple questionnaire with no request for documentation or paperwork beyond your passport or travel documents.

  It is also possible for third parties to submit an application on your behalf, but this must be clearly stated during the application process.

  To proceed with your application, you must pay a fee if you are over the age of 18 years, for minors – the application is free. Payment must be completed during the process or your application will not be submitted for review. You may pay for your ETIAS application using several payment methods.

  Around 95% of applicants can expect an automatic approval which will be sent via email within minutes of completing the application in full. For the remaining 5%, around 3-4% will be approved with a longer waiting time, and 1% can expect a negative outcome.

  After the application has been processed, all applicants will receive an email stating the status of their approval, and if denied – given a reason for this denial.

• What happens if a person has been refused travel authorization from ETIAS?

  Within minutes of you submitting your application, you should get a response telling you that your application has been received and whether your application was successful, or if it will be subject to further investigation.

  If your ETIAS is denied you will receive a message telling you the reasons for the denial. You will be able to either adjust your application and resubmit or appeal a decision if you feel it is incorrect.

• What are the carrier’s obligations?

  Before embarking on your journey, the air or sea carrier which you’re travelling with are required to confirm the status of your ETIAS approval and travel document validity prior to entering the Schengen Zone.

  For land travel, it isn’t yet known when checks will be mandatory for companies to confirm ETIAS approval.

• What happens at border crossing points?

  When arriving at a Schengen zone border crossing, a border guard will review your travel documents and using electronic methods – trigger a search to multiple databases, including the ETIAS database.

  This is done to ensure that travellers have the relevant permissions, and are not currently on any watch lists, or no-fly lists. In the case of no valid ETIAS being found, the border guard will immediately refuse entry and make notes in the system relating to the traveler.

  If a valid ETIAS is seen on file, the normal border crossing process will then take effect, and the traveler will be given permission to enter the country.

• Can my ETIAS Travel Authorization be Revoked?

  Yes, if the traveler is found to have submitted a fraudulent application or broken any of the ETIAS rules, their ETIAS will no longer be valid.

  If the conditions affecting the traveler change after they have received their ETIAS, their travel authorization can be revoked. All border controls have the right to detain a traveler pending investigation of their application.

• Who will need to apply for an ETIAS?

  Citizens of countries that do not currently require a visa to enter the Schengen zone may soon need to apply for an ETIAS at least 96 hours prior to traveling to any member state.

  Current immigration rules are quite complex for those requiring a visa to enter the Schengen zone and those that do not. With different requirements based on whether the visitor plans to enter multiple member states, and depending on the reason for their visit i.e business or tourism.

  Citizens and residents of other EU countries such as Britain and Ireland have no restrictions or requirements and are able to move freely within the Schengen zone. It is, as yet, unknown as to whether British visitors will need to apply for the ETIAS once it has formally ceased to be a member of the EU.

  One of the biggest areas of impact with the introduction of ETIAS is the fact that it will allow citizens from a list of pre-approved countries to easily visit the Schengen zone, this includes countries such as Canada, America, Australia, New Zealand, and those considered “less of a risk”, who at present – do not need a visa.

• Do EU citizens need an ETIAS to visit other EU countries?

  In short, no, they do now. ETIAS will only be required for those who are not currently citizens in the EU.

• Do infants, children or teens need an ETIAS?

  YES. All individuals of all ages need to apply for and have an approved ETIAS authorization prior to traveling to a member state.

• Do all UK passport holders require an ETIAS?

  Based on current rules, ETIAS will not be required for British Citizens, however – this may change once Brexit has come into effect. British nationals (overseas), British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTC), British protected persons (BPP) and British subjects (BS) WILL require an ETIAS.

• Can I go to any E.U. Country With an ETIAS?

  Once ETIAS has been attached to your passport, you are allowed free access to all Schengen zone countries. Border control do have the authority to deny access to a country if they feel there is a good reason, even if you have an ETIAS attached to your passport.

  You must arrive at the country of entry you submitted with your application for ETIAS.
  Remember that there are countries that belong to the European Union but are not in the Schengen zone, you will not be able to enter those countries using your ETIAS.

• Can I travel without facing border controls in the Schengen zone by using an ETIAS?

  An authorized ETIAS does grant you freedom of movement within the EU, however, you may be on occasion subject to additional security checks, and your ETIAS can be revoked at any time by the border authorities if they have a justifiable reason to do so.

• Where Can I Get an ETIAS?

  ETIAS is currently in development, and not yet released, the expected date for release will be January 2021.

  All applications for ETIAS will have to be made online; there will be no telephone or postal applications accepted. Unlike a visa, ETIAS are not being issued by Consulates, so there will be no applications in person either.

• Can Someone Else Arrange my ETIAS for me?

  Yes. You must give the applicant permission to apply for you, and they will have to disclose their relationship with you. Travelers with children and elderly companions can fill out the form for them.

• How much Does an ETIAS Cost?

  ETIAS will cost a nominal fee per application for travelers over the age of eighteen. Travelers under the age of eighteen, whilst needing an ETIAS, will not be required to pay a fee.

• How Long Does it Take to Get an ETIAS?

  Once you have filled in the online application form, the ETIAS can be electronically attached to your passport within minutes if successful. You will then receive an email informing you that your application has been approved.

  If there are further checks required prior to your ETIAS being issued, you may not hear anything for 72 hours. This is due to manual checks taking longer to conduct and may, in exceptional circumstances, take as long as four weeks.

• How Long is the ETIAS Valid For?

  Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• Will I Need ETIAS if I Have a Schengen Visa?

  If you already have a Schengen Visa, you will not require an ETIAS. Your border crossings will continue as normal, showing your visa to Border Control. If you are eligible for the ETIAS, you can apply for one when your Schengen zone visa expires.

• Will I Need an ETIAS if I Already Have a Long-term Visa from a Member State?

  A long-term visa, issued by a member state allows movement throughout the Schengen zone. If you hold a long-term visa, you will not need an ETIAS.