The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a new visa waiver program for non-European Union (EU) citizens traveling to Europe, will now be launched in 2024. The European Union has introduced this program as a way to provide a more secure and efficient way for non-EU nationals to travel to the Schengen Area. Here is the list of Schengen area countries where a valid ETIAS will be required upon arrival.
Similar to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program ESTA, the ETIAS is a travel authorization for visitors to Europe who do not require a visa. The ETIAS system will require travelers to apply for an electronic authorization before their trip, by submitting personal and travel information, as well as answering security-related questions.
The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the travel document expires, whichever comes first. The ETIAS fee is €7 ($7.46), and applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 are exempt from payment.
The launch of ETIAS has been repeatedly delayed. Initially, the ETIAS was scheduled to launch at the start of 2022; however, the EU postponed the implementation due to COVID and other obstacles. The first delay lasted from 2022 to January 2023, the second from May to November 2023, and the third from November to December 2023. The fourth delay occurred at the end of February 2023, when the EU again pushed back the launch of ETIAS to 2024.
It is anticipated that the delay will provide additional time for the relevant national authorities, travel operators, and travelers to prepare for the new requirements and procedures. The ETIAS website (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en) has been updated to provide information and updates on the new launch date and requirements.
The ETIAS system is one of the latest measures adopted by the EU to strengthen its external borders and enhance security and migration management in light of the increasing challenges posed by terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration.
The United Kingdom will also launch its forthcoming Electronic Travel Authorization visa waiver program later this year. This authorization will require all non-visa foreign visitors, including Americans, to apply online in advance, as part of the United Kingdom’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.
The application process is expected to be straightforward and user-friendly, and most applicants will receive their authorization within minutes or up to 96 hours. However, some applications may require further processing and may take up to four weeks to be approved.
The launch of ETIAS is expected to have a significant impact on the travel industry, as millions of non-EU citizens visit the Schengen Area every year for tourism, business, and other purposes. The ETIAS system will provide a more efficient and secure way for these travelers to enter and stay in the Schengen Area, while also contributing to the EU’s efforts to manage migration and security risks.
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