ETIAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There has been a lot of news recently about a proposed new travel authorization system for the European Union. The system was originally proposed five years ago, but developments have accelerated recently due to terrorist attacks in France and Belgium and the feeling that it is necessary to improve security measures in the region. The proposed system is called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and is based on a similar visa-free system used by the United States called ESTA. The purpose of this system is to collect information on travelers currently traveling without a visa to the European Union and to ensure that persons with security problems are identified before being allowed to travel in the countries of the Schengen area. The EU's main objective is to improve the external and internal security of EU citizens by setting up a centralized system for granting travel authorizations to EU visitors and monitoring their movements. in the Schengen area.

One of the most confusing aspects of Europe for people outside the continent is to determine the difference between the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area. The EU is made up of 28 nation-states members in Europe, a number that has grown over the years while one nation has been applied to one another. Almost all states are also part of the Schengen area. However, not all EU countries are in Schengen and even more confused, not all Schengen countries are in the EU! Britain and Ireland, for example, are in the EU, but not in Schengen. Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein are all in the Schengen area, but not in the EU

The 26-member Schengen area has been set up by the people of the United States, and they have stayed there for a long time.

ETIAS is a new form of travel authorization for tourists and short-term business travelers in Europe, currently exempt from visa. These visitors come from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and dozens of other countries. You can find out more about travelers who will need an ETIAS by visiting: http://etias-france.com/apropos-etias/qui-a-besoin-etias

The US visa waiver system, like the proposed European model, was introduced after the terrorist attacks inside the United States, especially after the Twin Towers attacks in September 2001. The fact that so many people are Being comfortable with the Internet also makes online immigration applications a lot easier. US ESTA is only used for people from selected countries considered to have a "lower risk". This means that if you are a Dutch or Japanese national, for example, you can apply for an ESTA before your trip to the United States. If you are Sudanese or Iranian, you need a full visa.

The ESTA still allows some degree of control over who is allowed to enter the United States, but reduces the bureaucracy involved in complete visa applications. Holders of ESTA are currently entitled to a maximum of 90 days both in the United States for a bona fide trip. If visitors wish to stay longer, they must always apply for a full visa.

Canada has also recently introduced a visa waiver system that is very similar to ESTA and the proposed ETIAS called the eTA.

The main stated benefit of introducing a mandatory ETIAS system is to provide a passenger database with the aim of enhancing security in Schengen countries. However, another advantage that has been presented is that it could bring a necessary boost to the EU coffers at a time when the revenue collected by the European Commission has decreased considerably. If each ETIAS candidate is required to pay € 5, as has been suggested, the expected revenue for 2020 could reach € 200 million.

The system will allow citizens who do not currently need a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen countries in a simpler way. In fact, the number of countries whose citizens do not need a Schengen visa at the moment is quite large. This means that all these people may soon need to apply for an ETIAS.

The current rules of Schengen immigration, both for those who need a visa and for those who do not, are a little complex. There are different provisions for people who want to go to, or only one, of several Schengen countries, depending on what they want to do when they are there. For people who are not in Schengen, but live in another EU country, there are no restrictions on entry or movement in the area. This includes Great Britain and Ireland.

The system change would allow "third country" citizens who come from an approved list of countries to apply for ETIAS at least 72 hours before the planned trip, as well as pay the required fees. This would include Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and many others considered "less at risk", who currently do not need a visa.

The question of whether British visitors to the Schengen area will also need to apply for ETIAS once Britain has officially ceased to be a member of the EU remains to be determined and will undoubtedly be hotly debated as part of "Brexit" state negotiations.

You can not apply online for ETIAS, as you would for any other electronic travel authorization. Postal or postal applications are not accepted.

Completing your online application form will take less than 10 minutes. After submission, your ETIAS application will be processed instantly and you will receive a decision from the system within 72 hours or less. If your ETIAS has not been approved yet and you have no other travel authorization, you will not be able to enter a country in the European Union.

ETIAS will cost € 5 euros for people over 18 years old. For guests under 18, fees will not be charged.

ETIAS will be valid for five years, or the expiry date of the passport (whichever comes first), and may be used for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

The short answer is no. ETIAS is required by people who are not currently EU citizens but do not need a visa. These travelers come from countries such as the United States or Canada. You can find out more about who needs an ETIAS by visiting the following link: http://etias-france.com/apropos-etias/qui-a-besoin-etias

No, you will not need ETIAS. However, your Schengen visa will still be required for travel in the EU.

ETIAS will not be required for British citizens, however, British citizens (Overseas) British Overseas Territories (BOTC), British Overseas Citizens (BOC), British Protected Persons (BPP) and British (BS) will need an ETIAS EU country.

Yes, all travelers, regardless of age, will need a separate and approved ETIAS to travel to the European Union. Guests under 18 years old are exempt from a € 5 processing fee.

No, ETIAS is only accepted in countries belonging to the Schengen zone and part of the ETIAS program. You can learn more about participating ETIAS countries by visiting the following sites: http://etias-france.com/etias-pays/

Yes, although you may be subject to additional security checks by border officials in all countries of the European Union. Although ETIAS grants you freedom of movement within the EU for business or tourist visits, ETIAS is a travel authorization and can therefore be revoked at any time by European border authorities.