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| WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS IN EUROPE - AND ENTRY FEES - WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN 2023 |
Travelers planning to visit Europe from November 2023 will encounter a new hoop to jump through: the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS.
What is the ETIAS system?
It is an electronic visa waiver and is basically the equivalent in the European Union of the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Travelers from countries whose nationals do not require a specific visa to enter Europe must register with ETIAS to prove that these travelers are indeed visa-exempt and allowed to visit Europe.
While the new system does not change the EU policy of open borders within the so-called Schengen area, ETIAS aims to "identify security risks, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors", according to the Commission of EU. the body that governs the European Union.
Once approved, the ETIAS registration is valid for 3 years. However, if your passport expires during this period, you will need to apply for a new exemption from ETIAS.
In accordance with current tourist visa rules, ETIAS applies to stays of 90 days or less within any 180 day period.
Which countries require ETIAS?
ETIAS registration is mandatory for travelers who otherwise do not need a visa to enter the European Schengen Area, which includes 22 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The full list of Schengen area countries can be found on the European Commission website.
Who needs to register with ETIAS to travel to Europe?
The program is open to nationals of approximately 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, most of the Caribbean and South America.
A complete list can be found on the European Union website.
Is there a fee?
Effective immediately, the proposed registration fee for ETIAS is €7 (approximately $7) per applicant between the ages of 18 and 70.
All travelers regardless of age are required to register with ETIAS, however it is understood that those under 18 and over 70 are exempt from paying the fee.
What does the application process involve?
Based on the information currently available, ETIAS appears to be an additional but not onerous step for the vast majority of travelers to the EU.
The application process is entirely online, takes approximately 10 minutes and includes the following requirements:
- Personal details including name, date of birth, address, etc.
- Passport information
- Name of top Schengen country you intend to reside in
- Responses Email ETIAS for basic questions about criminal records, previous deportations and previous travel to conflict or infectious disease epidemic areas within minutes.
In short, if you have not been accused of spying, have not overstayed your EU visa in the past, have joined ISIS, or have recently spent time in a country with an Ebola outbreak, you should be fine.
When do travelers have to register for ETIAS?
Once the ETIAS system is in place - the target is now November 2023 - the European Commission expects a grace period for travellers, border authorities, airlines and other travel service providers to adapt to the new requirements.
However, then do not plan to arrive in Europe or at the EU border without a valid ETIAS document for your journey or you will be denied entry or boarding. If the ETIAS rules are similar to the current US ESTA rules, no kidding.
While the EU promises almost instant approval for most travelers, it's best to play it safe and secure your ETIAS status a few weeks before your trip.
As with any major change in entry requirements, some hiccups and delays are to be expected.
We will keep you informed in case the system does not reach the planned rollout in autumn 2023.
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