What is the ETIAS Visa?
The ETIAS visa is actually not a visa at all. Instead, it is travel approval without a visa, or a visa waiver. It is similar to the current visa waiver program currently set up in the United States. It allows the European Union to know who is traveling to their area and disallow travelers who may be security threats.
The aim of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is to keep both citizens and travelers safe while they are in the Schengen Zone countries. It lets the government track who is entering and leaving the countries and is aimed at lowering the number of terrorist attacks that take place on European soil.
Once travelers get their ETIAS visa waiver for Europe, it is valid for up to three years or for the duration of the passport, whichever comes first. It allows travelers to enter the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days at a time, for either business or recreational travel purposes. Travelers will have to enter through the stated port of entry on their ETIAS visa waiver, but they will then have free travel within the Schengen Zone.
How to Obtain an ETIAS for Citizens from Albania
Getting an ETIAS visa waiver should be a straightforward process. Travelers will need their passport, an email address, and a valid credit card. Then they can proceed to the application, here.
They will be asked for their passport information, which should match exactly what is printed on that document. They will also be asked for a few other pieces of information, including:
- Their name, address, and birth date
- Their current country of residency
- Information about their previous travels. This specifically pertains to travel in areas where there have been political problems, protests, terrorist attacks, and more.
- Health information.
- Security information. This includes questions about arrests and convictions, their presence in areas where there is unrest, and more.
Upon submission of the application for an ETIAS for citizens from AL, the data will be run through several security databases. Most people will get their ETIAS visa waiver for Europe almost immediately, though some will not hear back for several days.
When the ETIAS has been processed, applicants will receive an email notifying them of the status of their waiver. If it is approved, they will receive a document which they can print and show to officials when they enter the Schengen Zone.
Travel to Europe is fun and exciting. Citizens of Albania can feel more secure there once the ETIAS visa waiver process is fully functional. Apply today to travel soon!
