Finland has long been a member of the Schengen Area, and it is also one of the more popular destinations for people on holiday or on business. Finland is trying to respond to the changes brought about by recent crises and the dreadful events that occurred in the past decade. One of the most affected sectors is international travel, with adjustments being made to policy and practice alike.
There are 62 countries whose citizens don’t have to have a visa in order to visit the Schengen Area. And because there is no official document or pre-registration for travelers from these countries, border management personnel usually have no idea who these people are and when they are arriving, until after the fact. This can be a recipe for an illegal immigrant being successful, or worse, a terrorist incident.
There is a serious need for a comprehensive system for vetting these travelers and making sure that the only visitors from the 62 countries who are authorized to enter Schengen borders are those who are of little to no threat to the citizens and other visitors. This system was unveiled in 2016 by the European Commission, and it is expected to be very successful in its implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we know about this system?
This new system is called the ETIAS, and it is expected to do pretty much the same things that the United States ESTA can do, since the ETIAS is modeled closely after the ESTA. The name ETIAS is an acronym for European Travel Information and Authorization System, and it was created in response to issues that have surfaced glaringly in the 2000s. Like the ESTA, the ETIAS will evaluate the risk posed by a traveler to the security of the Schengen states, and make a decision on whether to authorize the entry of the traveler or not.
The ETIAS will have access to information stored in different databases including Interpol’s SLTD, SIS, and Europol systems. It will capture and evaluate all this information and, if the risk is within tolerable limits, the ETIAS-eligible traveler will be issued an authorization to enter Europe. If the traveler is not qualified to use the system, his best alternative would be to apply for an eVisa.
Who needs to present an ETIAS authorization upon entry?
The ETIAS was created specifically to vet and monitor visa-free travelers who are citizens of countries from outside of the Schengen Area and the European Union. All other travelers are not eligible to use an ETIAS authorization. All ETIAS-eligible travelers must carry this authorization, even if they are elderly persons or infants not yet a year old. The good thing about this requirement is that the application is very straightforward and the validity of the authorization is quite long. Plus, only those who are between 18 years old and 70 years of age will be charged for the application fees.
Can I apply for the authorization upon arrival?
No, you can’t. The application needs to be done before you arrive at any of the Schengen countries. Speak to one of the team for any queries about Finland ETIAS Validity.
Is the authorization going to last long?
The approved authorization can last as long as the passport is valid or it can be used for as long as three years. The Finland ETIAS validity is based on the central unit’s evaluation of the applicant’s information. It’s quite a bit easier to use than an eVisa but other travelers don’t have much in the way of alternatives.
What service should I use to apply for the ETIAS?
If you need a travel document or the ETIAS authorization (when it becomes operational), you couldn’t go wrong with iVisa.com. Teams of skilled specialists are going to get you the document that you want, and the website is going to protect the information you used in your application by using top-tier software.
Is there a website where I can find information about these?
Need more details about Finland ETIAS Validity? Head over to the iVisa.com website now. Is there anything you need to ask? Ask our reps by calling +1 (786) 460-2707 or emailing [email protected].