The ETIAS system was supposed to become operational at the beginning of 2021, then it was postponed for almost 2 years. Now it has become known that the planned date of launch of ETIAS will take place no earlier than November 2023. Find out more about who will need an ETIAS authorization and how to obtain a permit for safe travel to EU countries

From November 2023, the ETIAS system will start working in the European Union, according to which the rules of travel will change for 1.4 billion people from 60 countries of the world. From now on, citizens of countries that previously entered the Schengen area on the basis of a visa-free visa will need to have an ETIAS permit to enter European countries.

Who needs ETIAS registration before traveling? How to get permission? More details in this article.

What is ETIAS?

According to the visa-free rules, citizens are allowed to enter Schengen countries for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days every 180 days only on the basis of a biometric identity document. During these 90 days, visitors cannot work or study, but can engage in business and tourism activities.

However, due to security concerns related to terrorism and the migrant crisis, the EU leadership has announced its intention to make travel within the borders of the states safer. To solve these issues, the European Commission proposed the electronic system ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a fully electronic system that authorizes and tracks visitors from countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area.

In the second half of 2023, an ETIAS travel permit will become mandatory for visa-free entry to any of these 30 European countries. The permit is attached to the traveler's passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Reason for introduction and benefits of ETIAS

The main reason for approval of ETIAS authorization is security. The system will be able to detect whether a person poses a threat to the security of Schengen countries even before he crosses the border.

It will also help EU countries and travelers with the following:

• Simplify the procedure and reduce the time of border crossing.

• It will improve the management of EU borders.

• It will help in identifying and reducing the level of crime.

• Illegal migration will be prevented.

• Strengthen the policy of liberalization of the EU visa regime.

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Who will need ETIAS?

As mentioned, ETIAS is aimed at citizens of countries that can enter the EU zone without a visa. Thus, citizens of these 60 countries are currently required to obtain an ETIAS permit.

Citizens who have a valid Schengen visa do not need to apply for ETIAS.

It is also not necessary to obtain a permit for foreigners who have a long-term visa issued by one of the EU member states.

Do children need ETIAS?

Every traveler, even infants and children, must apply for an ETIAS to get permission to enter EU countries. For minors, the legal guardian submits the ETIAS application. However, persons under the age of 18 are exempt from paying the fee.

How to issue an ETIAS permit?

It is planned that filling out the questionnaire and obtaining a permit will take no more than 10 minutes. The procedure will be conducted online. Depending on the applicant's citizenship, the system will prompt you to fill in certain fields:

• profile data: full name, date and place of birth;

• information about citizenship;

• address;

• e-mail address and phone number;

• education and work experience;

• the first EU country to which entry is planned;

• information about your state of health;

• data on visits to countries during the war and places where you were deported;

• presence of a criminal record;

• family members of EU citizens must provide proof of family ties, contact details, etc.

After filling out the application data, you will need to pay a fee. ETIAS is planned to cost €7 for each adult over 18 years of age. Children will not have to pay any fees. The commission can be paid by debit or credit card directly on the website.

Pay attention! The permit will be valid for 3 years. That is, after paying a one-time payment of 7 euros, you will have a three-year permit to enter the EU.

Processing of the ETIAS application will begin immediately after the transaction is completed. The traveler will receive the ETIAS permit by e-mail.

How does ETIAS verify information?

ETIAS will be connected to many databases that will be able to verify your information in minutes. This is why it is important for all applicants to give honest answers and not attempt to provide false information. If you are caught providing fraudulent information to the ETIAS system, you will be refused entry. Also, if your ETIAS is approved, but it is later found that you have provided false information, your ETIAS will be revoked.

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