The European Commission will introduce a new way of granting travel authorizations to the Schengen Area in 2022. The system will be modeled after the US ESTA and will be available for citizens of countries who are not part of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement but still enjoy visa-free entry to any Schengen member state.
Visitors from these countries are granted visa-free privileges when entering the Schengen Area. However, in the light of events within the last decade, the EU decided that it needs greater security. They decided that the first thing they need to do is to strengthen their borders and properly vet and track travelers that come in and go out of the EU and Schengen member states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ETIAS mean?
The name of the system that will be used to manage Schengen borders in the near future is the ETIAS. It stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. The task that will be set for the system is to check the identity and security credentials of travelers who wish to enter a nation that requires an ETIAS. They will be charged a fee for the processing of the authorization but the document generated will last for as long as three years in the right circumstances.
This system will also make it easier for the personnel tasked with civilian security to do their jobs, especially when they are dealing with travelers from countries that are not required to present a visa when they enter Schengen member states. However, if you are not eligible for the ETIAS, you will need to apply for a Visa to European countries.
Who will need to apply for the ETIAS?
The system will make it easier for citizens of non-EU and non-Schengen countries with visa-free entry to enter any of the Schengen member states that they choose. Plus, the ETIAS will practically guarantee their safety while they are within the borders of any of the Schengen countries. In order to do that, they will need to submit to the security checks that the system must perform so they can enjoy all these benefits.
Presently, there are 62 countries in this list and it includes Albania. This is why it is important to get an Estonia ETIAS for citizens of Albania when time comes that the system becomes online. For the rest, they will need to apply for a Visa using iVisa.com.
How do I apply for the authorization?
Like most travel authorizations, the ETIAS will be available online and nowhere else. The applicant will not need to go to government offices or mail documents in order to get the authorization. They can do it in the comfort of their own homes.
How long will it take to complete the application?
Filling out the form only takes about 10 minutes. After the application is submitted, it will be processed immediately and a decision on whether or not to grant the applicant authorization to enter Schengen and EU member states will be available within 96 hours of the application. Some cases may take up to four weeks if there are additional documentary requirements from the applicant. This is comparable to applying for a Visa in terms of the convenience and the speed of the application.
How many ETIAS authorizations will I need if I want to visit more than one EU or Schengen state?
You will only need one approved authorization from the system and you can visit all the ETIAS member countries. There is no need to apply for a separate authorization for each country.
What is the best platform to get your travel documents from?
The iVisa.com platform is the best option in the web for people who want travel documents that are available online, including Estonia ETIAS for citizens of Albania when the system goes online. It is protected by top security software, and visa specialists will get you the document that you need, be it a Visa or an ETIAS authorization.
What do I need to do if I need more information?
The best thing to do is to go to the iVisa.com website if you need more info on travel documents. For other concerns and questions, don’t hesitate to call our reps at +1 (786) 460-2707 or send us an email at [email protected].