Aside from those that make up the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are 62 other nations that can cross the border of the Schengen member states even if they don’t have a visa. Citizens from these countries may not need a visa to enter, but using that privilege has some conditions attached to it.
First, the length of their stay should not exceed a total of 90 days within a period of 180 days. Second, they must make sure that their reason for entry is for business, travel, medical purposes, or transit. They are not allowed to work or to study. They will need a visa to do that.
Although these travelers are not obliged to present a visa during the inspection at the airport, they may be required to present a Health Declaration Form by the Schengen member states. We, therefore, recommend that you make sure you have all the necessary documents for your trip to avoid wasting time and money.
Denying certain nationalities access to borders can increase the risk of illegal migration or security threats. This is why the Schengen countries and the EU have been searching for the perfect system to assist with border management and in dealing with the large number of travelers that go in and out of the area.
Incidents of illegal migration, terrorist activities, and other types of security threats have been on the rise in recent years. These have forced the Schengen states to respond by creating a system that would allow them to screen travelers from the 62 visa-free countries who wish to enter. Above all, Schengen states are trying to make visits to their countries more enjoyable as well as safer for all travelers.
The system that this necessity has created is the France ETIAS and it is expected to tackle the security threats and migrant concerns that the Schengen countries are facing right now and will face in the future. Continue reading this article as we will discuss some important topics here on out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Some basic information about ETIAS
The ETIAS, otherwise known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System, was created to help with reducing the volume of threats to security that Schengen Area member states are confronting. It was created solely for travelers coming from 62 countries.
By the time it becomes active, it will have to provide a platform for access to information about these travelers applying for authorization to enter, and will then be able to use that information to determine whether the applicant is a security threat or not. It mirrors the function and features of the US ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
It will also have to access data stored in several databases and will analyze this information so it can authenticate the information provided by the applicant on the application form. The application form has to be filled out correctly since inaccurate information could lead to the system denying authorization to enter.
ETIAS can also update the information on its own database. This feature will help it stay up to date and ensure that visitors don’t bring unnecessary danger to other travelers.
How the ETIAS can help
One of the main concerns of the Schengen countries right now is the protection of their citizens’safety. It created the France ETIAS mainly to improve border management and reduce illegal migrant issues. As stated, the system will access information about every applicant and use it to find out if he is a threat to the host country’s security or if he is likely to overstay and become an illegal migrant. Overall, the goal is to improve the safety conditions of the citizens and travelers, and make it more enjoyable to visit.
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, expressed in a recent speech the necessity that that Schengen states and countries in the EU are aware of the people entering their borders and they need to identify these people before they even come to visit. The result is the ETIAS.
Developed out of necessity, the system will use the information it has to determine the amount of risk that an applicant poses for the host country. If the system concludes that the applicant is big enough of a threat to security, the application will be summarily rejected and the applicant will not be allowed to visit the Schengen Area.
What details will I enter on the application?
The information that the application is asking for could be less than what is expected for other travel documents since one of the objectives for the creation of the ETIAS is to make the application process a lot easier. However, in compliance with its security mandate, aside from keying in basic information (full name, contact info, date of birth, and citizenship), the applicant will need to disclose such details as his medical conditions as well as criminal records if applicable. The applicant needs to fill out the form correctly or risk the application being rejected.
What documents do you need to start applying?
The typical application will usually only need the applicant’s valid passport. But, there are situations that will call for the applicant to submit a clear photo of his facial area to support the request.
I have a valid Schengen visa. Do I still need ETIAS?
As stated, the ETIAS is for use only by citizens of the 62 visa-free countries from outside the EU. So if you have a valid Schengen visa, you are not from one of the 62 countries and you will not be eligible to request for the France ETIAS.
Can I trust the iVisa.com service?
The website is secured by the best anti-hacking software, and it has not experienced any security breaches. That is an assurance for all customers that information on the website cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons.
Where can I get more information about the ETIAS?
Information about the system can be found on the iVisa.com website so make sure to head there. You can also drop an email at [email protected] for questions or other concerns that you may have.