What Travelers Need to Know About the ETIAS Visa Waiver for Europe
By 2021, travelers will need an ETIAS for citizens from Antigua and Barbuda before they can enter the Schengen Zone of the European Union. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is being put in place to keep both travelers and citizens safer while in Europe.
The program is similar to a visa waiver program currently used by the United States. It does not require all travelers to get a visa. Instead, it asks them to submit information, which is then run through several databases. Visitors with security concerns will receive deeper scrutiny before they are allowed to travel or will be denied the waiver.
Once granted, the ETIAS visa waiver allows travelers from Antigua and Barbuda to travel to Europe for business or sightseeing for up to 90 days. The ETIAS visa waiver for Europe is good for up to three years or until the traveler’s current passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers will always have to enter Europe through the same port of entry - the one on their visa waiver - or they will need to reapply.
How to Apply for the ETIAS Visa Waiver
Applying for an ETIAS for citizens from Antigua and Barbuda is straightforward and doesn’t usually take more than 15 minutes or so. Travelers can find the application here. Before they start it, they should make sure that they have:
- A valid email address
- A credit card
- Their current, valid passport from AG
The application will ask them for a few pieces of information. This includes:
- Demographic information from their passport, including full name, birth date, address, and passport number
- Their country of origin and current country of residency
- Information about their previous travels, especially to areas where there was unrest, terrorism, or other political issues
- Security information, including previous arrests and convictions, outstanding warrants, and more
- Health information
Applicants will only need to pay a small fee to submit their visa application. Once they have done so, their information will be run through several databases. This happens very quickly and most people receive notice of ETIAS visa waiver approval within a few minutes. Some applications will take several days to process and most will be resolved in 10-14 business days.
Once approved for an ETIAS for citizens from Antigua and Barbuda, travelers will get an email. They should print off their visa and carry it with them when they enter Europe.
Before long, travel to Europe will be even safer than it already is. With the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe, terrorists will be kept out so everyone can feel more secure! Apply today to travel soon!
