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Americans Need ETIAS To Travel To Europe From 2022

Did you know that US passport holders will soon need a special electronic travel authorization to visit Europe?

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is currently under development and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2022. Once the system has been launched, ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement for Americans heading to the European Schengen Area.

The good news is that ETIAS is not a visa and will be quick and easy to obtain online. You won’t need to go to an embassy or consulate to submit your application; the entire process is electronic and all correspondence and notifications are sent via email.

You’ll still be able to stay in Europe for up to 90 days visa-free provided you register with the new system. Top travel destinations including Spain, Italy, and France will require ETIAS so it’s important to be prepared. Continue reading to find out more about ETIAS including why it’s being introduced and how to apply for the essential permit online.

ETIAS is the European version of ESTA for the US. The aim of ETIAS is to improve border management and boost security in the Schengen Area whilst maintaining visa-free privileges. ETIAS will prescreen travelers from visa-waiver countries, identifying potentially dangerous individuals before they arrive in Europe. Both residents and visitors will benefit from this security boost as anyone suspected of terrorist activity or other serious crimes can be stopped from entering the region legally.

So, how exactly does it work? When a traveler submits an ETIAS application, the system automatically cross-checks the information provided against a series of international databases. Interpol, Eurodac, the Schengen Information System, and the Visa Information System are amongst those consulted. There will also be an ETIAS watchlist containing the names of convicted criminals and those considered likely to commit a serious offense.

In the vast majority of cases, nothing will be flagged up during the auto-screening process and the application will be approved straight away. On the rare occasion that there is a hit in one of the databases, the ETIAS Central and National Units will review the case manually before a decision is made.

Travelers with a criminal record shouldn’t be deterred from applying, ETIAS is concerned with serious crime, and individuals who pose a current threat to Europe: past minor offenses are unlikely to cause issues. Anyone who is eventually denied entry will be given the right to appeal.

So, how can you apply for ETIAS? The application will be 100% online, you’ll simply need to fill out an electronic form, pay the ETIAS fee, and wait for the request to be approved. You’ll be asked to provide a few personal details and passport information, take care when completing these details as any mistakes will likely lead to delays or even rejection. There’ll also be a few health and safety-related questions to answer.

On approval, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the electronic chip inside your passport and you’ll be notified by email. You must use the same passport to apply for ETIAS and travel to Europe, bear this in mind if you have dual nationality.

The approved ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for multiple trips to Europe over a 3-year period, or until your passport expires. This means that you won’t need to reapply each time you travel. ETIAS is valid for business trips and tourism, you’ll also need the permit to transit through an airport in the Schengen Area.

Another great advantage of ETIAS is that the same authorization is valid for the entire Schengen Area. There are no internal borders in the region. Once you’ve crossed the external frontier using your ETIAS you’ll be free to explore the 26 countries that make up the border-free travel zone– just be sure to always carry your passport with you.

With a maximum stay in Europe of up to 90 days per 180-day period, you’ll have plenty of time to explore tourist hotspots such as Rome, Barcelona, and Paris or perhaps discover Northern European nations including Latvia, Denmark, and Sweden. ETIAS offers the opportunity to see several different nations on one fun summer vacation.

There will be a 6-month transitional period once ETIAS is introduced in late 2022. During this time, eligible passport holders will be encouraged to apply but it will not yet be mandatory. The grace period will allow time for travelers to become familiar with the new system. Information will be provided at Schengen Area borders to ensure that people are familiar with the changes and know what to expect. After this time, Americans will be required to apply for ETIAS before departing for Europe.

If your planned stay in Europe exceeds the 90 day-limit, or you need to visit Europe for reasons other than those permitted using ETIAS, you’ll need to apply for a visa or a different type of permit. ETIAS is the quickest and simplest solution for a short, visa-free stay.


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Americans Need ETIAS To Travel To Europe From 2022

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