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Everything You Should Know About The European Travel Information And Authorization System Or ETIAS

The European Union (EU) recently announced the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The new scheme will begin in May 2023. It affects citizens of around 60 countries who could earlier travel to the EU without a visa. EU citizens will still be able to travel throughout the EU without a visa.

Read Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Schengen Visa

What Is ETIAS?

The ETIAS is the EU’s response to the need for better management of individuals traveling to the EU in light of the migrant crisis and terrorism. This is not a visa.

This is an electronic system that keeps track of people visiting the EU from countries that earlier did not require a visa. People from these countries will still not need to apply for visas for a stay of up to 90 days but the ETIAS will conduct a detailed security check of each individual to ensure that they are not a security risk.

How Will The ETIAS Work?

Visa-exempt non-EU citizens can submit an online application with personal data, travel information and background information. A €7 fee will be payable at this stage for applicants between the ages of 18 and 70 years. The applicant’s data will be checked against global databases and screening lists.

If approved, a travel authorization document will be delivered. This will be valid for three years. In case the application is rejected, the applicant will have the right to appeal the decision.

This process is expected to take just a few minutes. However, if the applicant’s name is screened, the application will be processed manually and it could take up to 2 weeks to get a response. Interviews will be required only in cases where the documentation provided is insufficient or does not match the information in the databases.

In the case of individuals traveling by road, the application can be submitted and processed at the border check posts.