In this article you’ll learn all about how to apply for ETIAS and why you need it to travel to Europe. For a long time, citizens of the United States of America have had the privilege to travel to various destinations including Europe, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean for 90 days without a Visa.
This is because they have one of the most powerful and well-recognized passports as it allows entry to more than 187 countries around the world.
Though the American passport has been ranked the 7th best passport, it will soon not be enough to enter into European Schengen countries. There are currently 27 Schengen countries that will require an ETIAS for US citizens. These countries include 23 countries in the EU and 4 not in the EU (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Lichtenstein)
If you are hoping to go hiking in the Swiss Alps or study abroad or strike a business deal, this article will help you understand all about ETIAS and how you can apply for it.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a purely electronic vetting system. This system allows visitors in Schengen countries and tracks them to ensure that they pose no security threat to these European citizens. This system applies to all countries that do not need a VISA to enter and operates like the ESTA system in the US.
The ETIAS process began in 2016 and is expected to be fully operational by 2024. This gives US citizens enough time to familiarize themselves with the system and understand what will be needed if traveling to the Schengen countries.
It is important to remember that the ETIAS does not apply to European countries not part of the Schengen zone.
Why ETIAS?
ETIAS was introduced to enable these European countries to keep their citizens safe by tracking everyone crossing their borders. The ETIAS has established systems that will enable it to gather all the necessary traveler information the purpose of which is to:
- Help prevent terrorism and other crimes.
- Help reduce illegal immigration.
- Enable Schengen countries to better manage their borders.
- Help support their VISA liberalization efforts.
- Make the application process hassle-free.
- Protect public health.
How Does ETIAS Work?
If you are a US citizen between the ages of 18 and 70 and you are hoping to travel to these countries for business, medical purposes, tourism, or in transit, you must apply for ETIAS.
ETIAS will give you entry to a Schengen country for 90 days and is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. This means you can also use it multiple times to enter different countries. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen VISA. The application process is expected to take around 10 minutes.
After that, the ETIAS system will check your information against several databases, including EUROPOL DATA, EURODAC, and SIS. If there is a red flag, the national and central units will manually go through the information again.
If your application is denied, ETIAS will let you know why they declined your application and you will have the right to appeal their decision.
How to Apply for ETIAS
The ETIAS application process is an online process, and as mentioned above, will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete. It is a relatively simple process especially if you already have all the information you need.
Documents you will need
To apply for ETIAS you must have a valid passport. The passport must be machine-readable, which you can confirm by checking under your passport picture. Your passport is machine-readable if it has two lines with symbols, numbers, and letters. Passports with an electronic passport chip will also be an added advantage.
However, during the application process, ETIAS may require you to submit additional documents, like a proof of relationship or residence card if visiting a relative. If extra documents are needed, you will receive an email from the national unit from the member state.
ETIAS Application Process
To apply for ETIAS you will need to fill in the application form with the following information.
- Biometric details (first and last names, date of birth, and place of birth).
- Citizenship
- Contact information, including phone number, email, and address.
- Education
- Work experience
- The main Schengen country you want to visit.
Once you are done filling in the information, go over it to ensure everything is correct before you submit the form. Applicants above will be required to pay €7, which you can pay online or use a credit or debit card. Applicants below 18 years will not pay any fee.
After you pay and submit your form, ETIAS will send your details through different databases and if there is no issue, you will receive your ETIAS confirmation in the mail after a few minutes.
What happens if my application is declined?
If you are not accepted, you will receive an email with the details of your rejection. You can choose to appeal the decision or reapply for the ETIAS again. The National Unit of the Schengen country you were applying to will let you know how you can appeal your re-apply.
Finally
Ensure all the information you give is completely correct before submission. Failure to do so can complicate your application and cause it to be declined. When either your passport or ETIAS expires, you can apply for another one.
You will not need to print out your ETIAS when traveling unless you are afraid your phone or laptop will crash. You will need to present your ETIAS each time you visit the Schengen country.
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲