A new travel authorization system is scheduled to go in place in 2021 for citizens of 61 non-European countries traveling to Europe.
The European Parliament has approved the introduction of ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorization System. It will apply to non-EU citizens who can currently enter the EU Schengen Zone without a visa (i.e. citizens of 61 countries who travel to the Schengen Zone for business or travel purposes for up to 90 days). The authorization will cost €7 and will be valid for three years, allowing for multiple trips within the three-year frame without the need for re-applying each time.
According to the Schengen Visa Info website, “The main reason for the approval of the ETIAS authorization is security. […] The ETIAS will decrease security concerns substantially through its information and data gathering systems. What this means, is that the ETIAS will detect if a person is a threat in any way to the security of Schengen countries. This will lead to the person being denied entry and avoiding the threat from being present inside EU borders.”
“In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose,” it is reported on the Schengen Visa Info website, referring to the travel authorization required to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
Those required to apply for ETIAS will need to fill an electronic form before the scheduled trip, providing personal data, including name, date and place of birth, sex and nationality, information on travel documents (validity, country of issue), residential address and contact information, and the European country where the first entry is expected. The application will include questions related to previous criminal records and presence in conflict zones.
The ETIAS system is expected to be in place starting in January 2021. Countries that will need the ETIAS authorization include Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, United States.
For a complete list of the countries affected and for more information, visit the Schengen Visa Info website – ETIAS page.
