The ETIAS Visa Waiver Explained
By the beginning of 2021, many travelers to Europe who do not currently need travel documents in order to visit will need to get an ETIAS visa waiver before they can enter the Schengen Zone. This document is easy to obtain and shouldn’t put a damper on any travel plans. Here’s what visitors need to know about this new system.
Why is the ETIAS System Being Implemented?
The ETIAS is not a visa but, instead, is a visa waiver. It allows Europe to screen travelers before they arrive so they can deny entry to people who are deemed security risks. It also allows them to know which foreigners are in the area in case there is a catastrophe and they need to know who could have been affected.
The ETIAS visa waiver is designed to keep both travelers and citizens safe. The European government is hoping to reduce the number of terrorist attacks and the amount of political unrest so that people can feel more comfortable traveling there.
The EU and the ETIAS
The ETIAS is a project that initiated with the European Union, though there are a few countries in the Schengen Zone that will require it but that are not part of the EU. These are Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Sweden. Similarly, a few EU countries do not yet require the ETIAS, including the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus.
The ETIAS visa waiver system is modeled after other systems currently in place in both Australia and the United States. The EU designed it to screen out travelers who are potentially dangerous or who may be entering the area under false pretenses. By not allowing them to enter, the government hopes to curb terrorism, political unrest, and other potential threats to people and property.
While applying for a visa waiver may feel like an unnecessary step, the government of the EU has deemed it the best way to enforce its borders and keep everyone as safe as possible.
The Schengen Zone and the ETIAS
The Schengen Zone is an area in Europe within which borderless travel is allowed. These countries are governed separately but permit people to move between them without requiring passport checks or separate visas. This lowers border control costs and makes it easier for people to do business and see the sights.
The ETIAS visa waiver will protect this entire area. Once inside of it, travelers will be able to move about freely, without having to worry about getting permission to visit each country separately. They will be able to stay for up to 90 days at a time and their visa waiver will be valid for up to three years or until their current passport expires.
Travelers can apply for their ETIAS and receive it quickly so they don’t need to change travel plans or worry about their trip. Instead, they can feel secure knowing that other travelers were screened, too.