What Is Etias, a Requirement to Travel to Europe

ETIAS, the new requirement to enter European countries that are members of the Schengen area. We tell you all the information: requirements, prices and more.

One of the new requirements to enter Schengen member countries in Europe from the end of 2023 for tourism or business purposes is the need to process the ETIAS, an electronic form with detailed information about the applicant, in advance of the trip.

Below you will find information on how to apply, validity, prices and who must apply. Let’s get to it!

What is ETIAS

ETIAS is an electronic system for information and authorization of travel to Schengen member countries for tourism, medical, business and transit purposes. Its purpose is very similar to the ESTA in the United States, since it allows the authorities to evaluate whether the applicant meets the requirements prior to the trip, by means of the form to be filled out by the applicant.

The idea of its implementation was based mainly on security purposes within the Schengen area countries, to try to avoid terrorist attacks or irregularities.

Which countries are part of the Schengen treaty

The ETIAS will be mandatory if you want to enter some of the following Schengen treaty member countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

It should be noted that not all European countries are part of the Schengen area. England or Ireland, for example, are not members, so if you travel exclusively to these countries there is no need to process the ETIAS, although the local authorities may ask for certain requirements according to the nationality of the tourist.

In case the trip through Europe includes Schengen and non-Schengen countries (e.g. Spain, France, Italy and England in 15 days), the ETIAS must be processed.

Which countries need to process the ETIAS to enter Europe?

The ETIAS system will be mandatory as of 2023 for all citizens of countries that are currently exempt from visa requirements to enter the Schengen area. From Latin America, citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Costa Rica, among others, will need to apply before entering Europe.

Citizens of the United States, Australia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, among others, also need to apply for ETIAS to enter Europe.

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When ETIAS becomes effective

Although the idea was to enter into force at the end of 2021, it has been postponed and it is estimated that ETIAS will enter into force at the end of 2023.

What is the ETIAS form to be completed?

The form to be filled in to apply for ETIAS is not fully defined, but the questions will be short and the estimated time to fill in the application will be 10 minutes. Consequently, it will be quick and easy to complete over the Internet.

Mandatory information will be name and surname, date and place of birth, address, e-mail and telephone number, passport number and nationality. Questions will also be asked about work experience and criminal record, among others.

✏️ The ETIAS form asks you to inform which country you plan to visit first. It is mandatory to enter the Schengen area through this country, regardless of the subsequent route you wish to take. Thus, for example, if you want to travel through Spain, France, Italy and Germany and the entry air ticket to Europe is Madrid, you will have to inform that the first country in the Schengen area is Spain.

It is important to fill in all data accurately and avoid misrepresentation. E-mail will be the means of communication by which ETIAS authorization or denial to enter Europe is received.

In the case of traveling with dependent children or minors, a separate form must be submitted for each of them.

How far in advance should I apply for ETIAS?

It is advisable to submit the form at least two weeks prior to travel to Europe. Completing the form takes only 10 minutes per person, but the response regarding authorization or denial takes from 4 days to two weeks.

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How long does the ETIAS last?

Once the ETIAS is authorized for travel to Europe, it is valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever occurs first. In other words, during this period of time you can travel to Europe as many times as you want, as long as it is for a maximum period of 90 days per trip counting the last 180 days (of the last six months you can only stay in Schengen countries for 90 days).

How much does ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS fee will be € 7 per application, but this fee only applies to persons over 18 years of age. Minors under 18 years of age are also required to submit the form but do not have to pay anything.

If I have dual citizenship and one of them is European, do I have to file ETIAS?

In the case of having dual citizenship, for example Argentine and Italian, and entering Europe with a European passport, it is not necessary to process the ETIAS. If you are a family member of a European citizen of a Schengen area country but do not have citizenship, you are obliged to present the ETIAS.

What happens if my ETIAS application is rejected?

The system will inform the reason for the denial, which can be appealed by correcting the application if possible.

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