ETIAS FAQs
Here you can find the answers to all of the ETIAS related frequently asked questions, including the requirements, who can apply for ETIAS and many other important queries that travelers have in regards to how the ETIAS system works.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System and has been in discussion for some time before the European Commission announced it would be launched. The initial announcement of ETIAS was back in 2016 and legislation was implemented in September 2018. It is now expected for ETIAS to come into effect in 2021 and to be mandatory from 2022.
Read MoreIs There a Difference Between the European Union and Schengen Countries?
Although there is a common misunderstanding about the EU and Schengen countries being the same, they are in fact two different entities. The EU is made up of 27 member nation-states that are within Europe, almost all of the countries in the EU are part of the Schengen area but not all are.
Read MoreWhen Will ETIAS be Implemented?
The date that ETIAS will be implemented has moved several times and the current health pandemic has delayed it further. With embassies closing and all of the other additional factor that have had to be considered in regard to Covid-19, ETIAS launch was pushed back.
Read MoreWhich Nationalities Need to Apply for ETIAS?
Currently, there are 60 countries whose citizens will need to apply for ETIAS if they want to enter the Schengen Area. These are: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia…
Read MoreWhat Are the Financial Benefits of ETIAS to the EU?
There are numerous types of financial benefits to the EU through the introduction of the ETIAS. To start with, the application fee of €7 will make a considerable amount of revenue…
Read MoreHow Much Will ETIAS Cost?
The application fee for the ETIAS will initially cost 7 euros. The 7 euros is charged to cover the administration and processing of the ETIAS. Once you have paid the 7 euros and had an ETIAS approved, it will...
Read MoreCan I Apply for ETIAS with a Criminal Record?
The ETIAS has been introduced to help improve security to monitor who is travelling into the Schengen Zone but to also make travel purposes such as tourism and business easier for low-risk travellers. Part of the assessment process for the ETIAS application is to check for any previous criminal records, to allow the authorities to determine whether an applicant is deemed to be a high risk to the Schengen Zone.
Read MoreCan I Use an ETIAS to Travel to the Other EU Countries?
The ETIAS system has been established for travel into countries that are part of the Schengen Zone and for any other EU countries, travellers would need to check what the requirements are to enter those countries.
Read MoreWhat is the Difference between ETIAS and Schengen Visa?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new electronic system for visitors coming into the Schengen Zone from countries that are not currently part of the EU. There is a list of 60 member countries who are visa-exempt when they travel to the EU for business
Read MoreDo I need an ETIAS if I Have Schengen Visa?
Citizens of the 62 countries who do not currently require a visa to visit Europe will be required to obtain an ETIAS from 2022, while citizens of countries who require a visa will still need to have a visa to visit the countries in the Schengen Zone.
Read MoreDo I Need to Apply for Separate ETIAS for Each Country I Visit?
No, if you are visiting several countries in the Schengen Area, you can use the same ETIAS for travelling in each one, as long as your reasons for visiting match the requirements of the ETIAS. The borders within the Schengen Area have been removed to
Read MoreDo Children, Infants and Teens Need an ETIAS?
The simple answer is, yes people of all ages from visa-free countries require an ETIAS to travel to the Schengen Zone , including children, infants and teens. However, children that are under 18 years of age get their ETIAS for free as there is no application fee payable for under 18s.
Read MoreDo I Need an ETIAS if Entering Schengen Member Country by Land?
Although this will not be an official requirement from the initial introduction of the ETIAS system, three years after launch, anyone entering Schengen member country by land by a group tour e.g. by coach, will be required to have an ETIAS.
Read MoreDo I Need an ETIAS if Entering Schengen Member Country by Rail?
The simple answer to this is no, travellers entering the Schengen area will not be required to have an ETIAS if they are entering the country by rail.
Read MoreHow I can check if my ETIAS is still valid?
From the date that your ETIAS is approved, it will be valid for a period of three years, or until the passport that it is linked to expires, whichever date is sooner. During the three years of validity, you are able to use the ETIAS as many times as you wish, provided that you do not overstay the
Read MoreHow Do I Apply For ETIAS?
Applying for ETIAS is very simple, and much more simple than the process for applying for a traditional visa to visit foreign countries. To apply for the ETIAS, you complete an online form that requires you to answer sets of questions that will determine whether your application is approved.
Read MoreHow Long Does It Take to Apply for ETIAS?
The ETIAS application process will be very quick, as it is all completed online and a lot of the actions involved in processing the application and performed automatically, with no physical administration required.
Read MoreCan I Travel Without Border Controls in the Schengen Zone by Using an ETIAS?
When you have an ETIAS approved, you are provided with authorization to travel around Europe freely for the purpose of business or tourism. This means that your ETIAS is valid across the different country borders within the EU but it is still possible that your ETIAS can be revoked by European border authorities.
Read MoreDo All UK Passport Holders Require an ETIAS?
As the UK is no longer part of Europe or the Schengen Zone, anyone from the UK who wants to visit Europe from 2022 will require an ETIAS. The only exception will be dual citizen passport holders whose dual nationality is a country within the Schengen. You would just require the passport of the EU member country for entering and exiting Europe.
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