A new screening process will affect citizens from over 60 countries
In mid-to-late 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 other countries will need an electronic travel authorization to visit much of Europe.
Travelers to any Schengen-zone country will have to register with a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS will be similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) already used in the United States.
How will it work?
Most travelers have no need to worry. The process will involve a quick online application and a €7.00 credit card payment. According to the European Commission, “ETIAS will be a simple, fast and visitor-friendly system, which will, in more than 95% of cases, result in a positive answer within a few minutes.”
The authorization will be valid for unlimited entries within a three-year period – or until the date of the applicant’s passport expiry, whichever is sooner – so travelers who frequent Europe won’t need to apply every time. Without a visa (ETIAS is not a visa), U.S. citizens will still need to limit their travel to 90 days within any 180-day period (the current limit). Those seeking to travel for work or study will still require a visa.
If I’m traveling to Europe, when should I apply for ETIAS authorization?
Until 2023, ETIAS authorization will not be required. Once it goes into effect, travelers should be able to obtain the authorization online within minutes, in most cases. Of course, it’s better not to wait until the last minute. In rare cases, applicants may be asked for additional information, which could take a few days or longer to process.
Which countries does this apply to?
ETIAS authorization will be needed for travel to any country that is part of the Schengen Borders Agreement, as well as countries that are European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Members, European Microstates With Open Borders, as well as Future Schengen Members (“Home ETIAS Countries”). This includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
I’m not a U.S. citizen. Will this affect me?
ETIAS will apply to anyone who travels visa-free to the Schengen area. This includes nationals of over 60 countries. More information can be found in the European Commission’spress releaseregarding ETIAS.
As an expert in international travel regulations and systems, I have comprehensive knowledge of various electronic travel authorization programs worldwide, including the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in Europe. My expertise is grounded in an understanding of the intricacies of these systems, their implementations, and the impact they have on travelers from different countries.
Regarding the article about the introduction of the ETIAS system affecting citizens from over 60 countries, this development signifies a significant shift in European travel requirements. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned:
-
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): This system, akin to the ESTA in the United States, is designed to pre-screen travelers from over 60 countries who are visa-exempt for entry into the Schengen Area. It requires an online application, a nominal fee of €7.00, and is anticipated to grant approval in over 95% of cases within minutes.
-
Application Process: Travelers need to complete a quick online application and make the payment using a credit card. The authorization, not a visa, will be valid for multiple entries within a three-year period or until the passport's expiry, allowing frequent visitors to Europe convenience without repeated applications.
-
Eligibility and Restrictions: Citizens from Schengen-zone countries, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Members, European Microstates With Open Borders, and Future Schengen Members will require ETIAS authorization. However, this is not applicable to individuals requiring visas for work or study purposes.
-
Timing for Application: While ETIAS won't be necessary until mid-to-late 2023, travelers are advised not to wait until the last moment. Most applications will be processed promptly, but some might require additional information, which could prolong the process.
-
Countries Covered: The ETIAS authorization will be required for travel to Schengen Agreement countries, EFTA Members, European Microstates With Open Borders, and Future Schengen Members, which include several European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more.
-
Applicability to Other Nationalities: While the article primarily highlights U.S. citizens, ETIAS will impact nationals from over 60 countries who are visa-exempt for travel to the Schengen Area. The European Commission's press release provides additional information regarding the affected nationalities.
In conclusion, the implementation of ETIAS is a substantial development in European travel regulations, requiring a pre-screening process for visa-exempt travelers from over 60 countries, mirroring similar systems established elsewhere, like the ESTA in the U.S. This system aims to enhance security while facilitating easy and efficient travel for most visitors to Europe.
