There is no doubt that entering a country without the need to apply for a visa is a big privilege. Schengen Area member states are extending this privilege to their fellow member states and to members of the European Union. What most people don’t know is that there are 62 other nations that are enjoying the same benefits even if they are not members of the EU or the Schengen region.
Travelers from these 62 countries may be able to enter Schengen nations without visas, but they still need to fulfill some conditions in order to enjoy that benefit. The purpose of their visit should not be anything other than business, travel, medical reasons, or transit. They are not allowed to work or to study without a visa. They also have to restrict the length of their stay to a maximum of 90 total days counted within a 180-day period.
Additionally, these travelers may be required to provide a Health Declaration Form for them to enter the host country. They must be sure that everything is ready for their trip, and have their travel documents at hand so they don’t waste their time or money with another application.
The Schengen Area nations are making border management one of their main concerns. They are searching actively for methods that can resolve issues associated with borders, like illegal migrants and security threats from other regions. This is why the France ETIAS was created. The goal of the ETIAS is to reduce security issues and make traveling more enjoyable and safer for their visitors. The US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) has a lot of similarities with the ETIAS, except that the latter is not yet operational.
Continue reading as we discuss what we know so far about the ETIAS
The ETIAS – What we have so far
Once it goes live, the France ETIAS will connect with most major databases and access the information that they contain. The system can then retrieve the data about a traveler, collect and analyze the information, and cross-check it with the details entered in the application form. The form should not have any incorrect details because this could cause the application to be rejected by the system.
The ETIAS is expected to be one of the most used tools for border management by the Schengen countries. It is also expected to significantly reduce the threats to the security of everyone inside its borders, as well as minimize the number of illegal immigrants. This way, travelers can enjoy their trip and be safe at the same time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the steps for completing the application for ETIAS?
1.First, you need to fill out the application form. The information should be correct and complete. The application requires biometric information – like first and last name, last name at the time of birth, date of birth, and place of birth – to be keyed in.
Additional details like education, contact information, and work experience are also required. You will also need to input details from your passport like your citizenship, and address.
The system will ask you for your background information like medical conditions, war countries that you visited, nations that deported you, and criminal records if applicable. You also have to input the first Schengen country in your itinerary.
2.Check the information that you have keyed in and make sure there are no errors. The system will reject the application if there are inconsistencies in the information.
3.Wait for the result to come in. This should take no more than a few minutes. If the ETIAS’ evaluation does not recognize you as a security threat and all of the information on the form is correct, then the application is approved. If not, it will be denied.
What is the validity of this document?
The France ETIAS can last up to 3 years (ideally), or it could only be valid until the document used in the application expires. The validity period is determined by the result of the evaluation of the information about the traveler.
Do I have any options if my application is denied?
It is a definite possibility that an application will be denied. You will receive the result of the evaluation within minutes of submitting the form. If it is denied, you will receive a notification as well as the reason for the rejection. You can then appeal the result of the evaluation or tweak your next form based on the reason for denial and apply again.
Will the application needs a lot of documents?
As it stands, the France ETIAS application will only need the applicant’s valid passport. But there might be some information that the passport should show.
1.It might need a clear digital photo which is not attached to the passport itself.
2.There are some instances when the system will ask for a machine-readable passport. This is the part of the passport directly beneath the photo.
3.An electronic chip may also be needed but it is not an absolute necessity. However, it could be an advantage.
Do I need to apply for the ETIAS if I have a Schengen visa?
The ETIAS is created only for citizens of 62 countries outside the EU that have visa-exempt privileges with the Schengen nations. Having a Schengen visa means that you are not from any of these countries and are not eligible for the authorization. One thing you can do is check back once your Schengen visa expires, and see if your country is now eligible for the ETIAS.
How much will the ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS will not be a big financial burden. It is tentatively priced at only €7 every time you apply. Plus, applicants under the age of 18 will not pay for the application. You can pay that using a credit or debit card.
Is there any reason to doubt the iVisa.com service?
Customer information is very secure with iVisa.com. This is because of the security software that protects the website. No identity thief will be able to access the information making it very safe to apply for your travel documents with iVisa.com.
Where do I need to go for more information?
You can go to the iVisa.com website if you need more information about ETIAS. You can also send an email to [email protected] for assistance.