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The European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) Set to Launch End Of 2022

The European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) is all set to launch a brand-new border control operation at the end of the year 2022. This border control operation, colloquially referred to as ETIAS, was created to strengthen security checks and protect member states comprising the Schengen area.

ETIAS exact launch date is expected to be announced soon. When it does launch, tourists from non-EU third countries with a visa waiver agreement (which now includes the UK) will need to apply for travel authorization to enter the European region.

The European Commission created ETIAS in November 2016, in order to close existing security information gaps, as well as spot individuals that may pose risks and act before they reach Schengen’s external borders.

Prior to boarding, air and sea carriers, as well as carriers transporting groups overland by coach, will have to verify the status of the travel document required for entering the Schengen area, which will include the strict requirement of holding a valid ETIAS travel authorization.

Understanding the changes

You may be asking who qualifies for ETIAS, and the simple answer is if you’re traveling to Europe in 2022 you will very likely require an ETIAS travel authorization.

The ETIAS regulation will apply to visa waiver travelers from 60 countries (including the US, Canada) who will be visiting the Schengen area comprising 26 European countries including France, Germany, and Spain

In addition to Schengen member states, ETIAS will also apply to Schengen member states, including those which do not yet fully apply for Schengen, i.e. Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Therefore, if you’re traveling from any of those 60+ countries under a visa waiver agreement using your passport, you will have to apply for ETIAS prior to travel by the end of 2022.

Process and procedures

To apply for ETIAS, travelers traveling to the Schengen areas will have to complete an online application via a dedicated website or an application for mobile devices. The application process will take approximately 10 minutes and there will be a requirement to upload necessary documents, so it is advised to have those prepared.

Automated approval will be communicated to applicants within minutes of payment. In some cases, it may take up to 96 hours before approvals are granted. Applicants will be given a response by email with a valid travel authorization, or an explanation for why they were refused the authorization.

An electronic payment fee of 7 Euros will be required for each application and all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70. The validity of the travel authorization will be 3 years (or until the expiry date of the travel document).

If you’re unsure whether or not you will need an ETIAS authorization, get in touch with a Global Pass consultant who will be happy to provide you with information and answer any questions you may have

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