Malta is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and a Schengen member country whose citizens do not need a Schengen visa to enter Europe. Vanuatu citizens and citizens of 59 other non-Schengen countries are not required to get a visa in order to enter the Schengen Area. This places the host country in a vulnerable position. Security lapses could mean disaster and will expose Schengen member states and other European countries to terrorist attacks and illegal immigration. To combat this, the European Commission created the ETIAS, a system designed to ensure that only low-risk travelers from non-Schengen visa-free countries are allowed inside Schengen territory.
The ETIAS is a pre-screening system that is similar to the United States’ electronic travel authorization program, Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA. They were created with a similar objective, which is to improve security and border control through information gathering and threat detection. Starting in 2022, citizens of non-Schengen countries under the visa waiver program such as Vanuatu are required to apply for an authorization like the Malta ETIAS for Vanuatu citizens when planning to travel to the Schengen Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ETIAS?
The term ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System is a travel authorization that will be required for citizens of countries outside the Schengen Area that enjoy visa waiver privileges when entering the Schengen Area. For example, a Vanuatu passport-holder who would like to travel to Malta would need a Malta ETIAS for Vanuatu citizens. The system will gather information on applicants and use that information to determine if they pose a risk to the region, and decide if they will be allowed to enter or not.
How does this new system work?
Travelers from visa waiver countries will be asked to provide their basic information by filling out an application form online on iVisa.com. This information may include a series of security and health questions. The system will then crosscheck the information provided by the traveler through various databases maintained by reputable organizations. These databases include not just Europe’s law enforcement agencies but also all over the world to ensure thorough screening. The ETIAS will then determine whether a traveler is a security risk or not and grant them the Malta ETIAS for Vanuatu citizens.
What are the requirements that I need to provide for the application?
After providing basic information, travelers from visa waiver countries will be asked for a scanned copy of their passport, a valid credit or debit card for payment, and an active email where the Malta ETIAS for Vanuatu citizens will be sent to, including the copy of their authorization when it is approved.
How long am I able to use the authorization?
The validity period of the Malta ETIAS for Vanuatu citizens is 3 years. However, the authorization is linked to the passport used in the application so when the passport expires before the authorization is supposed to, the ETIAS expires as well. Then you will need to get a new one using a new passport.
Is there a chance my application will be denied?
Yes, an application can be denied if the applicant fails to meet certain requirements. For instance, the applicant submitted the incorrect documents or failed to submit the extra documents requested on time. This is where iVisa.com can be helpful. A team of visa experts with vast knowledge about visa applications and electronic authorization such as ESTA for the US can help travelers ensure a successful application.
If you are a first-time traveler and know little about the ETIAS, iVisa.com will walk you through the process and help you secure your authorization in no time. Additionally, the platform is highly secured and customer information is protected from unauthorized access.
What is the best way to connect to iVisa.com?
iVisa.com customer service reps are available 24/7 to assist you. You can reach us through chat using the app on our website. You may also send your concerns through email at [email protected].