ETIAS

THE NEWLY ELECTRONIC AUTHORIZATION TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE EUROPEAN UNION

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WHAT IS ETIAS?

The electronic authorization ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-screening which allows citizens without visa to travel freely across the Schengen Area.

The difference between the electronic authorization ETIAS and the EU VISA resides in the way they are being processed.

A request for the ETIAS is computerized and systematized across the Schengen Zone and the EU VISA is handled on a case-by case basis by the official Member state.

The ETIAS system is like the ESTA of the United States or the eTA of the Canada.

ETIAS is part of the EU intergovernmental initiative which has been created to emphasize the security of the Member States.

It should start in 2020. This immigration process is being used to counter step the potential threats of undesirable individuals, before they can trespass the borders of the EU. ETIAS in conjunction with the EES (Entry-Exit System) will accelerate, facilitate and revamp the border control procedures by providing improved protection process against credentials and identity fraudulence. ETIAS is one of the prime ways of knowing if an EU visa-exempt traveler is allowed into the Schengen Area. This will substantially decrease the number of refusal entry. 

Each citizen from the visa-free countries must have an authentic ETIAS before boarding.

Once issued, the valid authorization will grant its holder to sojourn in the Schengen Zone for a period up to 90 days and it is valid for five years or until the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

HOW THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORISATION SYSTEM (ETIAS) WORKS?

The frontex which is now known as The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (EBCG), is in charge of the ETIAS, collectively with the support of Europol and other Member State authorities. Being granted an ETIAS does not confirm your entry to the EU as the final decision is done via the national border guards through an in-person screening process at port of entry. Nonetheless, ETIAS is an automatic system which will carry out control process to regulate whether to issue or deny a request to the EU. This pre-screening mechanism will help and speed up border checks.

The online application request is easy and immediate. Each citizen traveling in a group must do separate applications. It is to be noted however, that applicants under 18 need not pay for the processing fees.Cependant, les candidats de moins de 18 ans n'ont pas à payer les frais de traitement. (à enlever cette phrase en rouge Stephane stp dans la categorie FR et ANG)

BELOW ARE THE DIFFERENT STEPS WHICH EXPLAIN HOW ETIAS WORK

Authentication of the documents and information provided by the applicants before their travel to the external borders of the EU.

Basic information of the citizens, such as identity, permanent residence address, contact details (emails and phone numbers), will be collected. Concerning the compulsory documents, applicants need to possess a valid passport delivered by one of the countries in the visa-exempt list. With the information received, an assessment will be made on whether the applicant is a potential threat to the European Territory in terms of migration, security or public health.

The Automatic system will use the information from the application to review and double-check against various EU information systems (such as SIS, VIS, Europol, Interpol, Eurodac, and so forth) and against an ETIAS watchlist. This activity will determine if an authorization is granted or not.

Issuing or refusing an authorization.

If it is approved, the applicant will receive directly the authorization by email. If the authorization is denied, the reasons concerning the refusal will be sent by email as well.

It is strongly advised to apply for an ETIAS at least 72 hours (3days) before your travel. Even though the authorization is connected to your passport, it is recommended to bring your ETIAS authorization email printout at the airport to prevent any problem during boarding. The validity of an ETIAS is solely linked to that of the passport used during the application.

The ETIAS authorization can be disclaimed and be no more valid if the conditions for issuing it no longer apply. So, it is always recommended to verify the status of the ETIAS some days before the date of your travel. 

WHY USE THE ETIAS AUTHORIZATION?

During the last years, Security in the European Union has made the headlines during the terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany. Not to mention the migratory crisis in Italy, to name a few.

The European Union as a supranational body is confronted with security and migratory threats. Following this, the European Commission has proposed the establishment of an electronic system to strengthen controls at the external borders and internal security within the EU zone. One of the ways, is the creation of the ETIAS European Travel Information and Authorization System. This system applies to citizens of countries that are not members of the EU but are granted the privilege of travelling across the EU without an entry visa.

Thus, the European Union authorities can control who crosses borders in an automatic way. The principal of ETIAS is that it will allow EU Border Control Officers to cross-check passengers ‘information entering the Schengen area against all existing security systems throughout the EU.

EtiasEurope.com is a private website that presents the new legislation within the Schengen area and information about travelers in Europe and information about the new European Commission's legislative proposal for an EU Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS). Due to the nature of this topic and the ongoing updates, we strongly suggest that all visitors get the latest updates on the official EU official government websites.

Who needs ETIAS?

CHECK YOUR TRAVEL ETIAS REQUIREMENTS IN TWO SIMPLE CLICKS

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