An ETIAS for Europe is essentially a multiple entry travel authorization that makes it possible for the holder to enjoy a 90-day stay per entry in Schengen countries. The holder is eligible for traveling for a range of purposes, including business, transit, tourism and to seek medical treatment.
The aim of the ETIAS travel permit is to protect and strengthen the borders of the Schengen passport-free zone. As such, the program is being implemented by the European Commission for people of all nationalities that currently do not require a visa to travel to Europe.
Under the new system, all visa-exempt travelers will be prescreened for potential health and security risks prior to even reaching Europe. The program is predicted to be implemented in 2024.
The ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa and the ETIAS application form can be accessed online. Also, the ETIAS visa waiver is not a substitute for a work or student visa. Foreign nationals who are interested in working, living, staying, or studying in Europe for more than 90 days must apply for a visa.
The ETIAS for US citizens and nationals of other countries will have to be filled in by travelers to Europe. It will be a simple online application requiring applicants to fill in basic personal, travel and passport information.
A few questions related to health and security must be answered by applicants before they can submit the form online. The entire process of applying for and securing the ETIAS visa for US citizens and those of other nationalities shouldn't take more than ten minutes.
Approved by the European Commission in November 2016, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will be mandatory for eligible travelers in 2024.
The European Union Agency Eu-LISA is responsible for developing the new visa waiver system as well as managing the security databases that ETIAS applicants need to be checked against.
ETIAS authorization will be required for all visa-exempt travelers who wish to visit Schengen countries for short stays. Although an ETIAS application must be submitted for all minors under 18, their legal guardians are allowed to fill it out on their behalf.
ETIAS will be available for 30 European destinations in 2024. There are a total of 30 European countries that falls under this category
The Schengen zone includes Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City- all of which have either open or semi-open borders with other Schengen countries.
As of 2024, all nationalities who do not currently need a visa for Europe will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Foreigners who meet the requirements and are interested in traveling to or within the Schengen Area for a short period will need to submit an application. As such, nationals of the following countries will need the ETIAS authorization:
The process of applying for a ETIAS through PickVisa will be very simple and straightforward. All you will have to do is just follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Start the process by clicking ‘Apply for ETIAS’ and fill in basic personal information, such as your first and last name, travel information, passport details etc.
Step 2: Proceed to payment by clicking “Continue to payment”. Once the payment is clear, you will receive a confirmation email and your ETIAS application process will be initiated.
At PickVisa, we are committed to helping our clients enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience when applying for their ETIAS. Once the program is implemented, we will provide our clients with the necessary information and assistance to ensure that they are able to obtain their ETIAS in a timely and efficient manner.
No, ETIAS authorization is not required if you have a Schengen visa.
Yes, all travellers, irrespective of their age, will require an approved ETIAS when traveling to the European Union.
No, it is not a visa. Instead, the European Travel Information and Authorization System is a travel authorization program that is intended to keep track of visitors from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen Zone.
It is allowed for you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times while your ETIAS for US citizens is still valid, but you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
You only require a valid passport to apply for the ETIAS authorization.