The new ETIAS travel authorization system is not yet officially launched. The European Commission has approved it, but like many changes in Europe, it needs to be approved before it becomes law and it is not expected to start before the start of 2020. The ETIAS app that many non-European visitors will have to do should reduce some of the security problems that Europe has recently faced, including terrorist attacks and the huge wave of migrants and refugees. This will allow the European authorities to filter all visitors who did not need a visa before arriving. Applications submitted online will be checked against a database of those who have committed an indictable offense, have spent more time in the EU or have a security problem.
If Iceland is just part of Schengen, why will there be an ETIAS Iceland visa waiver?
It's a good question. Iceland is not a member of the EU, but is a member of the Schengen zone, as are some other countries such as Norway and Switzerland. As all Schengen countries have the same rules as to who can and can not enter the zone and how long they can stay, Iceland should have the same ETIAS rules as other Schengen countries, most of which are also in the EU. EU. If you want to visit Iceland first and travel to another European country, you will need an ETIAS Iceland before arriving in Reykjavik.
Once your passport has been stamped for a maximum stay of 90 days, you will be able to visit any other country in the Schengen area during this period. What you will not be able to do is use your ETIAS authorization to go to Ireland or the UK, both in the EU, but not in Schengen.
What is worth seeing in Iceland?
A lot. Iceland is a unique country with a multitude of geothermal features scattered on its remarkable terrain. There are geysers, bubbling mud pots, volcanoes and lava fields. You can even go to Iceland in winter as there are hot pools to enjoy in the middle of the snow and ice. However, summer is always the best time to visit Iceland, especially if you plan to rent a car to see more countries than Reykjavik and Akureyri, the two largest urban areas. Do not forget to visit some of the beautiful; If rather dark, national parks like Þingvellir and Vatnajökull . The first is a World Heritage Site while the latter has the highest mountain in Iceland, the largest glacier and ice field as well as the largest waterfall by the water flow.
Will I need Icelandic ETIAS visa waiver?
As long as Iceland remains a member of the Schengen zone, it will inherit the same ETIAS rules as any other Schengen country. Whether you need to apply for ETIAS or not depends on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you will continue to enjoy freedom of movement across Europe, including Iceland. Non-EU citizens are divided into two groups. The first group includes North Americans, Australians and many others who have not had to do anything before arriving in Europe for a short visit, except to have a valid passport . This is the group that will have to apply for ETIAS approval as soon as it starts in early 2020 (this is the first most likely date). All other non-EU citizens will have to apply for a full visa in advance as they do now. To find out if you need an ETIAS or Schengen visa,