How to Apply for ETIAS – The Procedure

Have you heard of ETIAS and confused about what impact it will have on your traveling plans to Europe? No need to worry further.  We will guide you on how to apply for ETIAS and what is the procedure involved.

ETIAS – What it is?

ETIAS is the new European Travel Information and Authorization System aimed at preventing the uncontrolled migrant influx, terrorist attacks and other ill effects of uncontrolled tourism. The regime will come into force on January 1, 2021, and all the nationals from the third world countries will now need to apply for ETIAS and pay the requisite fee.

The ETIAS scheme is designed to provide eligibility to the third world countries to enter into Europe. The travelers will now need to complete the ETIAS application procedure before proceeding on their itinerary.

How does it Work?

Well, the procedure is simple, but being a new regime – you will find it a little difficult to understand. The procedure involves an online process that is completely simple, cheap and faster. It is a new travel and information authorization system that is aimed at cross checking the information provided by the applicants against the security databases like Europol, Interpol, the Schengen Information System, Eurodac and the Visa Information System.

The questionnaire is easy and simple and involves providing information about your biometrics. You will need to have access to a biometric passport for applying for ETIAS. However, if you do not have an electronic passport, a valid passport would be enough to apply.

Once your information is recorded and evaluated, you will be absorbed into the ETIAS ecosystem and will be provided with the ETIAS authorization. The ETIAS documentation, once validated, will be valid for a period of three years. However, please note that you will not be able to overstay in the country that you are visiting for more than 90 days. Moreover, your stay will only be valid for the activities like traveling and business. You are not allowed to undertake any kind of work or study.

What information does it source?

ETIAS application needs the following details –

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Present address
• Information on parents and guardians
• Passport and other nationality details

Further, the application consists of questions related to a few behavioral patterns. Some of the questions you would need to answer include Drug use, Terrorism, Human trafficking, Travel to conflict areas, Criminal history, Employment history, Past European travel information and Security information. Providing any false information will make liable to be debarred permanently from applying for the ETIAS documentation.

You will also need to provide details about personal information of the passenger; member state of intended first entry; background questions with respect to public health risks you may have; criminal records history if any; information on previous refusals of entry or an order to leave the territory of the member state. Do note that the information you provide will be verified with the international agencies and thus it is expected that you will provide genuine information.

The ETIAS regime has been created for the sake of safeguarding the external borders of the European countries. If you have been aware of the other similar regimes like American ESTA, Canadian eTA (electronic travel authorization) and the Australian eTA, you will find the new ETIAS concept easy and simple to work with and understand as well.

Before we Conclude…

That was how ETIAS works and should not pose any threat to the genuine travelers. We assume over 95 percent of the applicants will be screened successfully. Make sure that you have shared all information without hiding any of the information. Honesty is what would ensure you a successful ETIAS registration.

The system is new and is coming into force in January 2021. Thought it is quite easy and simple to file for ETIAS as such. But, given the fact that the system is new, you may find it a little difficult to fathom. In such a situation, it may be a good idea to consult the agencies that specialize in helping you file for ETIAS.