Our recent article about the introduction next year of the ETIAS travel programme drew so much attention, and so many questions from our readers, that we are circling back to it again.
Who will have to apply for ETIAS?
The name ETIAS may sound like a big deal, and of course it is as far as boosting security at European borders, but the process itself is going to be fast and easy. Who will have to register for ETIAS starting next year? U.S. citizens, along with travelers from 60 other countries including Canada, Mexico, and Australia, who are planning to travel to countries within Europe’s Schengen Zone. What it boils down to is that they will have to do some easy online paperwork before packing their bags and, while there’s no firm date yet, it’s wise for them to understand what they will be required to do if Europe is on their horizon.
ETIAS will be required for 29 European countries
ETIAS is not a visa, it’s a quick and easy online registration system designed to boost security at European borders. The idea is to screen travelers before they arrive in the Schengen Zone to identify potential security or health risks in advance. What is the Schengen Zone? It is 29 European countries, including popular holiday destinations like Italy, Spain, France and Germany, but travellers planning to visit non-Schengen countries like Albania, Serbia, or Türkiye won’t need to worry about ETIAS.
Applying for ETIAS should be a breeze
Once ETIAS is live, applying will be a breeze. All you’ll need is your passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the €7 fee, and it’s free for travelers under 18 and over 70. The application should take about ten minutes, and most approvals will come through within minutes or, at most, 96 hours. Once approved ETIAS will be valid for three years, so there is no need to reapply for every trip, although stays must not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period. In a nutshell ETIAS is very like the U.S. ESTA system, an extra layer of security for travelers. It’s quick, easy, and once it’s done travellers will be ready to enjoy stress-free European adventures!
For information: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
