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Updated March 2024

Are you planning to travel to Europe next year? You may now need to jump through an additional hoop through ETIAS. ETIAS is not a visa or any particular document to carry, and not every traveller to Europe is eligible to apply for it.

So, what exactly is ETIAS? Read on with Wego to find out.

Table of Contents

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a form of electronic travel authorization. The ETIAS will now be launched and will become fully operational in Spring 2025, specifically May 2025. Therefore, travellers having a visa-free agreement with the European Union and visiting Europe from 2025 onwards will be required to obtain an approved ETIAS online prior to their departure.

ETIAS is not a visa, but rather a form of a security check or visa waiver. ETIAS aims to strengthen European security by screening travellers before they enter the Schengen Area. In addition, the ETIAS procedure will determine whether or not a nation is permitted to enter the Schengen Area.

Finally, the ETIAS will decide if a person poses a security danger to any Schengen nations by cross-checking information against multiple databases.

ETIAS news & updates

The European Union (EU) once again postponed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The implementation of ETIAS has met with some unforeseen delays, pushing the expected date of implementation to May 2025 at the earliest, with a chance for further postponement.

The ETIAS was initially scheduled to become fully operational by May 2023. However, the EU Commission delayed the implementation first to November 2023, and then to the first half of 2024. In the latest update, the commission revealed that the program will be operational by May 2025 at the earliest. Therefore, travellers having a visa-free agreement with the European Union and visiting Europe starting mid-2025 onwards will be required to obtain an approved ETIAS online prior to their departure.

Also, beware of fraudulent scam websites which, albeit looking official, extract sensitive information from travellers. Make sure to look for the “europa.eu” domain, URLs ending in dot com or dot org should raise concern.

The 🇪🇺 will launch new border management initiatives that will change how travelers enter European countries.

ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-free travelers that will need to apply for an authorization online prior to their trip.

Details 👇 https://t.co/TQnOhgm3nH pic.twitter.com/prPokA1jDD

— IATA (@IATA) March 20, 2024

How to apply for ETIAS?

Eligibilty

ETIAS is applicable only to nations that already have a visa-free agreement with the European Union. They are:

Albania
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu (temporarily suspended until further notice)
Venezuela

Documents required

A biometric passport is the only formal document required to complete the online application. The application will also need a debit or credit card, as well as an email address. Biometric passports are favoured because of the security benefits they provide, such as preventing unauthorized viewing or “skimming” of passport information – but are not compulsory.

Application process

The procedure to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is quite easy. All you have to do is fill out a simple online ETIAS application form to receive ETIAS travel permission. In addition, applicants must provide their personal information such as their name, date of birth, address, and information about their travel and security questions.

Permission would be granted in as little as a few minutes. Thus, the entire online application and registration procedure will take no more than 10-20 minutes per applicant.

ETIAS validity

Short-term visits of up to 90 days are permitted under the ETIAS travel authorization. When visiting any area of the Schengen Area, tourists and business travellers will be required to obtain an authorized ETIAS. ETIAS travel permission, if issued, can be utilized for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.