Concerned About ETIAS?

Apparently, the upcoming entry system for travel to the Schengen Area caused some confusion among the travellers. People want to know how it will impact their travels to European countries.

In case you want to find out whether you need ETIAS, the answer is here, and it is quite simple.

If you are the citizen of a visa-free country to the Schengen Zone, then:

YES,

You will need ETIAS

AND

NO,

It is not something you should have to worry about.

But still, why ETIAS and how it will affect your life?

European Travel Information and Authorization System

According to the latest reports, terrorists don’t use migration systematically to enter the European Union. However, terrorists still try to use migration routes to cross the borders.

The number of irregular migrants in the EU reached seriously high levels. Unfortunately, many of them got involved in crime.

These and some other factors that pose a threat to the region’s national security have pushed the European Union to reinforce the EU’s external borders.

In this context, the European Commission developed a completely electronic program – European Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS).

It will help in preventing any possible threats, by providing information on non-EU nationals who travel to the Schengen area without a visa.

ETIAS is expected to be implemented by 2021.

Applying For ETIAS

The only way to obtain ETIAS is to apply it online. You will have to complete the application form, by filling your passport details and answering a list of security questions.

How Long ETIAS Will Be Valid?

It is expected that ETIAS will be valid for up to three years, after which you will need to apply for a new one. It will allow multiple entries of up to 90 days each into the European Union.

Decision

Once the application is completed, ETIAS will be automatically processed. All data will be cross-checked against European and worldwide databases:

• The EU Information Systems for Borders, Security, and Migration
• Schengen Information System (SIS)
• Visa Information System (VIS)
• Eurodac
• Europol
• Interpol

You will receive a decision if you are given right to enter the EU on your valid e-mail address.

Travelling Without ETIAS?

As ETIAS will be an obligatory requirement, without it, you will not be allowed to travel, and most probably you may even be denied boarding.

Can The Application Be Denied?

No one likes rejection, but it still may happen.

As we have already mentioned, the main goal of ETIAS is to guarantee security within the EU borders. Meaning, that the system is being designed to identify all possible criminals, terrorists and other people who may cause some serious threats to the EU.

The screening process will decide whether an applicant will receive or will be denied an ETIAS travel authorization for Europe.

There are several reasons you can be denied an ETIAS to the EU:

Every person with the criminal record will be more likely to receive a denial.

The applicants providing false information or mistakes will be rejected as well.

Also, ETIAS may be rejected in case you overstayed a period of authorized stay of your previous trip.

If ETIAS Got Denied

You will have the right to appeal a denied ETIAS, but it can be a lengthy process to reverse the denial. The national authority will seek additional documentation within 96 hours. After receiving more information, the authority will make a decision within the next 4 weeks.

It has to be noted that denial can affect your future travels to the EU.

How to AVOID A Denied ETIAS

The only way to receive an ETIAS and avoid problems with your future trip is to make sure that all the details and answers are correct. An ETIAS can be denied even because of a simple typo. Be attentive during the applying process and input accurate information. Check all required data, from travel arrangements to passport numbers.  Don’t leave questions blank, as that will increase the chance to get a denial.  If a question will confuse you, make sure to get some clarity before you answer it.

ETIAS Will NOT Apply To:

• Citizens of the EU / Schengen Area member states
• Schengen Visa holders
• Diplomatic passports holders
• The holders of the valid residence card who have family members, citizens of EU
• Third country nationals, valid residence card holders, who have the right of free movement
• Recognized refugees holding a travel document issued in the EU member country

In conclusion

Bear in mind that ETIAS is not intended to restrict your future visits, nor to guarantee you an entry into the European Union. But to filter out those people considered to be a security risk to the Schengen Zone.

Thus, you too will enjoy your travel with more peace of mind.

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