Like the United States, Europe is equipping itself with a system to control the entry of citizens into its territory. Called ETIAS (for European Travel Information and Authorization System in English), this electronic travel authorization will be necessary to enter one of the 33 countries of the Schengen area or assimilated. It will allow the European authorities to establish a reinforced control on foreign citizens exempt from visas.
This document will be requested from visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. It will work on the model of the American electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) and will cost 7 euros for each traveler. The ESTA is charged around 20 euros.
Who will be affected?
Currently, sixty countries around the world benefit from a visa-free regime of the European Union (EU). Among the countries of origin that will require the ETIAS sesame we find: United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Brazil or even Mexico. The full list is available on the European Union website. “ETIAS will thus cover 30 million people who enter the EU each year”, specifies the vie-publique.fr site.
On the other hand, travelers transiting from countries that require a visa to enter Europe will still need one and will not need to apply for ETIAS. As for EU residents, everyone will be exempt.
Authorization valid for 3 years.
Specifically, interested travelers must complete the document online. The European Union website advises making this request for authorization to enter Europe “well before the trip.” In effect, if “the majority of the demands are filed in quelques minutes”, “le délai can être prolongé just 14 days if you give information or additional documents you are in demand, or just 30 days if you are invited to a interview”.
This entry permit is valid for up to three years, or sooner if the passport expires. It allows you to enter European territory as many times as necessary for short stays. These visits must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Initially scheduled for May 2023, the entry into force of the ETIAS should take place in 2024.
Source: BFM TV
