https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application


Link has area to be notified when ETIAS visa waiver will be available.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was introduced by the European Commission in November 2016.

After being approved by the European Parliament, the ETIAS Regulation was passed on July 5th, 2018.

The ETIAS has been under development since 2018. The start date is fast approaching. Read on to find out when ETIAS will become mandatory.

ETIAS START DATE
Previously scheduled to come into effect in 2021, European authorities recently announced that the EU visa waiver for Europe, ETIAS, the start date has been pushed back to 2022.

ETIAS will start at the end of 2022. Although the exact launch date is not yet known, ETIAS will be up and running by late 2022.

From late 2022, travellers from visa-exempt countries can apply for ETIAS.

Originally due for release in 2021, European authorities announced that the ETIAS start date was pushed back. The delay allows border authorities and travellers to get fully prepared for the new system.

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR ETIAS?
As mentioned above, ETIAS is starting at the end of 2022. However, applying for the visa waiver will not be mandatory right away. ETIAS registration will become mandatory in 2023.

There will be a 6-month ETIAS transition period to allow travellers to become familiar with the new entry requirements.

During the transition period, information will be provided at Schengen Area borders to make third-country nationals aware of the changes to the EU visa policy.

Although ETIAS will not be obligatory until after the transition period, eligible travellers are encouraged to apply.

ETIAS will be valid for 3 years and for multiple trips to Europe. People who apply during the transition period will be able to use the permit for the next 3 years, unless their passport expires.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE IN 2022
Travellers do not need ETIAS yet. Visitors from more than 60 visa-exempt countries can enter the Schengen Area using a valid passport.

Tourists and business travellers can stay in Europe visa-free for up to 90 days per 180-day period. After the ETIAS start date, they will need to register to stay visa-free.

There are additional requirements to go to Europe in 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. All overseas visitors must check the latest EU COVID-19 restrictions before travelling.

Further information can be found here on EtiasVisa.com regarding how to travel to Europe in 2022 once ETIAS comes into effect.

WHO NEEDS A VISA FOR EUROPE IN 2022?
Citizens of third countries not eligible for visa-free travel need a visa for the Schengen Area in 2022.

This requirement will not change when ETIAS is introduced. ETIAS only affects people who are eligible to travel to EU destinations without a visa.

Visitors who require a visa for short stays in Europe will still need to apply through an embassy or consulate.

ETIAS APPLICATION IN 2022
Travellers can start applying for ETIAS by late 2022. It will be 100% online. Applicants will need to fill out the online ETIAS application form with basic personal details and passport information.

The form will also include some questions about criminal records and trips to conflict zones.

ETIAS processing will be fast: most travellers should receive the permit in just a few days.

The approved ETIAS visa waiver will be linked to the passport used to apply and verified when crossing an external Schengen border.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE WHEN ETIAS IS IN EFFECT?
Travellers will need to pay a small fee to travel to Europe with ETIAS. The cost of ETIAS is lower than that of a Schengen visa. The fee serves to cover processing costs.

The ETIAS fee will be paid online using a debit or credit card.

HOW TRAVEL TO EUROPE WILL CHANGE IN 2022
Once ETIAS is in effect, the way third-country nationals travel to Europe will change.

Visa-exempt third country nationals will need to complete the online ETIAS registration before travelling to Europe. Up to now, visitors have only required a valid passport.

ETIAS AND IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY FROM 2022
The online ETIAS application is being developed to improve border security and make European countries even safer from 2022.

The new ETIAS system will pre-screen travellers to ensure they do not pose a health or safety risk. Visitors will only be able to enter the Schengen Area without a visa if they pass this screening process.

Schengen security databases such as the ETIAS watchlist, the Schengen Information System (SIS), and Europol data will be used to cross-check applicants.

In the rare case that the ETIAS is denied, foreigners will need to apply for a visa to travel to Europe.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN EUROPE WITH ETIAS?
How long travellers can stay in Europe will not change after ETIAS starts. Visitors will still be able to stay for up to 90 days per 180-day period with ETIAS.

Visitors will need to reapply for ETIAS every 3 years, or when their passport expires, whichever is sooner.

WHERE CAN I VISIT WITH ETIAS?
ETIAS holders can continue to visit any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area.

There are no internal borders in the Schengen zone, travellers will need the valid ETIAS permit to cross the external border only. After the ETIAS start date, tourists will still be able to enjoy their favourite European destinations by submitting an online application.

Thank you, Kathi.