It is not only the European Union countries that have visa-free entry into countries within the Schengen Area. There are 62 nations with the same privilege. Citizens of these 62 countries are allowed to go into Schengen zone countries even without a visa, as long as they meet certain conditions. However, they may need an additional document for entry purposes soon.
Travelers from these nations will not need a visa for entry if they intend to visit the Schengen countries for tourism or business purposes. However, they are not allowed to work or study without a visa, or they will face appropriate penalties. They can also cite medical grounds as their reason for entry. Plus, they also don’t need a visa when they are just transiting through the area, which comes as good news for them.
Though this courtesy is to be offered by the EU and the Schengen Area members, visitors may still be required to present a Health Declaration Form so it pays to make sure that you have all the documentary requirements on hand before you start your trip.
The EU is dedicating a lot of effort to find ways to improve the methods to manage their borders and the people going through them. This is due to the continued rise of incidents of aggressive terrorism and other threats to the security of citizens and travelers alike. The EU thus stated that one of its top priorities is making sure that every visitor enjoys themselves and feels safe while they’re on their trips within to EU countries.
Subsequently, the European Commission proposed the creation of the France ETIAS to help manage these issues, and also to help lessen the amount of time people spend on applications and waiting for approval. This article contains information about the ETIAS, which is set to go live in 2022.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The basics of the ETIAS
European Travel Information and Authorization System, otherwise known as the ETIAS, is a program created by the EC to help manage visitors from 62 countries who are not members of the EU but are entitled to visa-free entry to the Schengen countries. It shares similar features and functions to the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization or US ESTA, but at the moment, it hasn’t been implemented yet.
The program protocols will examine the applicant’s background thoroughly, with the aim of finding out whether they would be authorized to enter the EU or not. The inspection will be done when the application for the authorization starts and is expected to identify those who are not threats to the security of EU citizens and visitors.
The program will use improved techniques and advanced tools for gathering information crucial to the system’s mandate. It will also use methods for analyzing the data and determine if the applicant is a security threat or not. The capacity for near-constant updating of the information collected will help the system to properly perform its intended task.
Why is there a need for the ETIAS?
As previously mentioned, the main reason why France ETIAS is being implemented is to help tighten security and make sure that travelers going into the EU are not threats to the safety of citizens of the EU and its visitors. It also helps to track the movement of people, thereby reducing cases of illegal immigration in the area.
Jean-Claude Juncker, in his role as the President of the European Commission, said that the EU needs to know the people who are crossing their borders and that they plan to identify the people who are traveling to Europe before they even get there.
This is due to a clear and noticeable increase in the number of terrorist incidents in recent years. The EU clearly wants travelers to be safe and have a wonderful experience while they are inside the host country’s borders.
The result is the blueprint for building the ETIAS. The system is expected to significantly reduce security issues and migration concerns by properly classifying the applicant based on the risk he poses to the citizens and travelers in the EU. If the applicant is classified as high-risk, the system will deny the application and refuse entry to the individual.
Do you need to put personal information onto the application for ETIAS authorization?
The application requires applicants to enter biometric information, like their complete names, dates of birth, details about their passport and citizenship, contact details, and other basic information. They will also have to key in some personal information such as criminal records and medical conditions, on account of the ETIAS's focus on security.
What documents are needed to apply for the authorization?
A valid passport is, usually, the only thing that you need when you initiate the request for ETIAS. Under certain conditions, however, the system may require the applicant to submit a clear digital photo of his facial area.
Is the authorization valid for a long time?
That depends. The authorization can last up to 3 years, or it will expire when the travel document used for the application is no longer valid. What the system chooses as the validity period will ultimately hinge on the information about the applicant and how much risk he poses.
How many entries are allowed when you have an ETIAS authorization?
With a valid ETIAS authorization, you will be able to enter Schengen member countries for as many times as you need, provided that you do not stay for more than a total of 90 days within 180 consecutive days.
Is the ETIAS a visa?
It is not a visa, and should not be used as one.
Will I need an ETIAS if I am holding a Schengen visa?
Having a Schengen visa means that you are not a citizen of 62 countries outside the EU that have visa-free privileges with the Schengen countries. Since the ETIAS was created for this specific group of countries, you will not need an authorization. It’s one or the other, never both. But if your visa expires, you can request an ETIAS if applicable.
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Can you help me find more information?
Information about the ETIAS can be found on the iVisa.com website. You can go there and learn more. You can also send an email to [email protected].