How to Apply for ETIAS in 2021
By 2021, visitors from certain countries will need to get an ETIAS visa waiver in order to visit Europe. While this may sound like a hassle, it’s actually an easy process and makes travel safer for everyone. In fact, this system is based on a similar system instituted by the United States that has proved valuable for many reasons.
Applying for ETIAS authorization is easy. The application should take no more than 10 minutes and only costs €7, so it won’t take a lot of time or put a big dent in anyone’s pocketbook. Applicants only need their passport to fill out the application.
The application will asks for:
- Personal, biometric data such as name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Citizenship information.
- Contact information, including electronic contact data such as an email address.
- Background information. This includes information about previous arrests and/or criminal activity, affiliations, times the traveler was rejected or deported from a country, and visits to areas with war, conflict, or other unrest.
- The name of the first EU country the traveler intends to visit.
- Education and work experience.
Travelers should check all of their information, pay the fee, then submit their application. Most applications will be approved immediately. The majority of those that cannot be approved immediately will be resolved within 96 hours, though the process can take up to two weeks.
Here’s what travelers need to know about the ETIAS visa waiver to make sure that they can complete their business or tourist travel without any problems.
Advantages of ETIAS
Application Online
Once approved, ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the travel document used to apply for it expires, whichever comes first. They can enter as many times as they want to within that three year period, though they cannot stay for longer than 90 days out of any 180 day period.
Electronically Linked
The ETIAS will be in the EU Immigration system electronically so travelers can simply scan their passports to enter the area. They will need to enter via the country they listed on their ETIAS application before they can travel throughout the area.
Paperless
Visitors will not need to carry any kind of document print-out to show proof of the ETIAS approval or payment. This will make travel around europe hassle-free and more convenient.
Security
With the advent of the ETIAS, travel to and around Europe will still be simple and straightforward for travelers who do not need to obtain a visa. It will also be much safer so visitors can feel secure as they are making their travel dreams come true.
Who Needs an ETIAS to Visit Europe?
Travelers can find the list of countries whose citizens will need to acquire a visa waiver before visiting Europe here. In general, the ETIAS visa waiver is for people who do not require a visa before traveling to Europe.
There are many reasons why Europe has chosen to implement the ETIAS system, including:
- Increased safety for both citizens and travelers based on improved immigration control
- Encouraging more tourists to come to Europe because of increased safety
- The entire process is electronic so travelers do not have to carry paper documents
- For those who do need a visa, the lines at the airport will be shorter and they will no longer have to visit an embassy first
It’s simple and easy to get an ETIAS visa waiver for Europe and it shouldn’t hamper travel plans at all.
Traveling to Europe with an ETIAS Visa Waiver
When traveling to Europe after the implementation of the ETIAS system, travelers will need to have:
- The current, valid passport that they used to apply for their visa waiver.
- ETIAS approval. They may print off this document, though it should be linked electronically to their passport.
- Embassy registration. This allows them to receive reports and alerts should anything go wrong in the areas where they are traveling while they are there.
- A travel plan. Most travelers like to know where they are going and how long they are staying before they show up in Europe.
- Sufficient funds. Travelers would be wise to not only have the money they need to enjoy their trip but also money sufficient to cover any emergencies that may come up while they travel.
Countries Included in the Schengen Zone
European Union countries included in the ETIAS system include:
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Malta.
The non-European Union countries that will require an ETIAS visa waiver are:
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
The micro countries that will be de facto parts of the ETIAS system are:
Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
This area is called the Schengen Zone. All travel to these countries will require the waiver. However, travel between these countries will not require any sort of documentation.
Getting an ETIAS visa waiver is not difficult and could keep travelers safer than they have ever been. Travelers can apply today to travel soon and make all of their European dreams come true!