Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
About 1.4 billion people from more than 60 visa-exempt countries, including travelers from the US and UK, will have to obtain permission through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter most European countries from 2024, it said. Today, Friday, the Belgian news agency quoted the Brussels Times. .
She added that starting next year, the ETIAS travel authorization will be linked to travelers' passports. The permit will be valid for three years, unless the passport expires before then. Travelers will be allowed to enter the territory of 30 European countries - the 27 Schengen countries plus Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus - as often as they like for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
ETIAS is an electronic point of entry, pass for travelers from currently visa-free countries. However, it does not guarantee entry, as specific travel documents are still required for citizens of some countries that do not require a visa.
Automated information technology system
The European Commission describes ETIAS as an automated IT system to identify potential security or irregular immigration risks for visitors traveling to the Schengen Area without a visa.
The new requirements are a response to the growing fear of terrorism in recent decades. ETIAS will make it easy to keep track of who's coming and going.
From 2024, all passport holders from 60 countries, who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa, will need an ETIAS licence. With Brexit, the UK is now one of the countries on this list.
While a Schengen visa application can take up to 15 or 30 to 60 days in exceptional cases, an online ETIAS application takes only a few minutes. However, it is recommended to apply early.
The application website has not yet been published, but once it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via the web portal or mobile application. The app costs €7, though the process is free for some travellers, including those under 18, those over 70 and family members of EU citizens. More information is available on the European Union website.