Who Needs ETIAS?

There is a tried and tested system in place where citizens of certain trusted countries are allowed free access to the EU and Schengen member countries.

Travelers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States enjoy this privilege. Due to be rolled out by 2021, a new system (ETIAS) is due to replace the fairly informal situation that presently exists.

The ETIAS (EU Travel Information and Authorization System) is slated to come into effect for four reasons.

1. An increase in terrorist incidents. France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain have recently been affected; this system can help to prevent terrorist movement.
2. An increase in the number of visitors to Europe. Movement throughout Europe is increasing annually, and this system has been designed to speed up border controls.
3. Vast numbers of people are being displaced due to war, persecution and economic benefits and are therefore seeking asylum or refugee status in Europe. Predictions are that these numbers will continue to increase.
4. Thanks to the advances in ECT (electronic communication technology) and the almost universal use of the Internet by travelers, this system is seen as a practical way to arrange pre-travel authorization.

This new system will mean that ETIAS visa application online will be required for travelers before they travel. Most ETIAS applications will be approved within a few minutes.

Group 1 – EU and Schengen nationals – Do not need ETIAS visa

Group 2 – Non-European nationals – This group presently doesn’t need an ETIAS visa, as they enjoy close economic and cultural ties to the E.U. and are seen as non-threatening nations with strong security procedures in place. This is the group that will soon require an ETIAS visa.

Group 3 – This is the group of non-European nationals who presently do need a visa to visit Europe. This group is generally made up of citizens of countries that do not have strong cultural or economic links to the E.U. or who are classed as third world countries. This group will still require a Schengen visa and WILL NOT be eligible for the ETIAS visa application.

With the enforcement of ETIAS visa in 2021 are the benefits that it brings to people traveling to Europe. Some of the reasons to process your ETIAS visa application are as follows:

• Allow Travelers to Save Time and Be Hassle-free
• Complement the Visa Liberalization Policy
• Improve Border Management
• Reinforce Fight Against Crime & Terrorism
• Prevent Irregular Migration

Business travelers require travel authorization dependent on which country they are a citizen of, not dependent on the nature of their trip, as long as you are traveling for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

When vacationing in Europe for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, tourists must make sure they have the travel authority intended for the country they are a citizen of.

ETIAS visa application must be made in advance of your trip. Once approved, your ETIAS visa will be electronically attached to your passport, allowing unrestricted movement in the EU and Schengen member countries.

Before boarding your mode of transport, you will be required to show your passport with the electronic ETIAS. Failure to do so will mean you will not be allowed to continue on your onward journey.