In 2016, the European Commission announced that there will be a system that will take over some of the border management and security tasks, particularly those that pertain to citizens of countries that are outside the Schengen Area and the European Union but still retain visa-exempt privileges. When it becomes fully operational in 2023, the system will gather and collect information on applicants. It will then evaluate all available data and determine if the applicant is a potential threat to the security of the member states or not.
The ETIAS, as the system is called, will be able to boost civilian security by improving and enhancing border management protocols and tools. The acronym stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System.
Let iVisa.com help you with the Finland ETIAS process for citizens of Tonga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the motive behind the creation of the ETIAS?
The main reason why travelers from Tonga to Finland need to get a Finland ETIAS for citizens of Tonga before going on their trip is because of security. The EC expects the ETIAS to effectively perform the task of vetting applicants and identifying potential security risks among the many eligible travelers applying for authorization to enter EU and Schengen territory. If the traveler is not eligible to apply for the ETIAS, then he will have to apply for and purchase an eVisa to enter Schengen and EU member states.
Is it difficult to apply for the ETIAS?
The application is actually pretty easy, since it can only be done online. The traveler has to fill out the form accurately, since any errors might result in the application getting denied. Once the form is submitted, it will take 96 hours or less to determine if the applicant should be authorized to enter or not. Denied applications can still be appealed by going to the authorities of the nation that denied the authorization.
Some applications, however, will prove troublesome by requiring more information from the applicant. In these cases, the application may take as much as 4 weeks for the decision to be made.
Do I need to get more than one authorization if I want to visit multiple ETIAS member states?
No, you don’t have to go that far. One approved ETIAS will get you the authorization you need to enter as many member states as you want, provided that you do not stay for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. You have to have an eVisa if you are not allowed to have an ETIAS authorization.
How long would I expect the authorization to be valid for?
It depends. The ETIAS authorization can last for as long as three years from the date of approval, or only until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. The duration will be determined by the evaluation the system will perform on the applicant’s information, a lower risk factor presumably making the duration longer.
Do I need to apply for the ETIAS if I have a Schengen visa?
As stated earlier, the ETIAS is only for citizens of visa-exempt, non-EU, non-Schengen countries. If you have a Schengen visa, it means that you are not exempted from the eVisa requirement, making you ineligible for the ETIAS authorization.
Can I still apply for the ETIAS if I have a criminal record?
You have to apply for the ETIAS if you wish to enter ETIAS member countries, regardless of whether you have been convicted of a crime or not. If the application is declined, you will have the opportunity to discuss the circumstances of your conviction records in your appeal.
Can you recommend a platform for travel document applications?
If you need travel documents and authorizations, your best bet would be the iVisa.com platform. Skilled visa specialists will ensure that you will have the document that you want, even a Finland ETIAS for citizens of Tonga. Plus, the website protects customer information, ensuring that sensitive information does not fall into unauthorized persons.
Is there a way for me to contact you?
The best way to communicate with us is by calling +1 (786) 460-2707 or sending an email to [email protected]. You can also learn more by visiting the iVisa.com website.