If you’ve done any research on the Schengen visa process, you may have come across something many people refer to as an “ETIAS Visa.” While the ETIAS is not a visa, it is a kind of travel authorization affecting travelers who usually do not need a Schengen visa in order to enter and journey throughout the Schengen area. Created to improve security in Europe and streamline travel to the Schengen area and its 26-Member States, the ETIAS Schengen document will be explored in the blog below. Read on to understand the key differences between ETIAS and Schengen visas, and for the answer to the oft-asked question “what is a ETIAS countries list?”.
What is ETIAS?
- ETIAS is an acronym for European Travel Information and Authorization System.
- A kind of travel authorization, ETIAS is a digital security screen and authorization for travelers who seek to enter the Schengen area.
- The system aims to address potential security concerns stemming from visa-free travel to the Schengen area. While ETIAS does not do away with visa free travel, it will require those who are allowed to travel without a visa to obtain the clearance prior to entering the Schengen area.
- Because the ETIAS process was created to be incredibly fast and hassle free, it aims to preserve the right to free movement while at the same time protect residents of the Schengen area from potential external security threats, including diseases, unregulated migration, terrorism and crime.
- Because the ETIAS is a kind of travel authorization allowing access to the Schengen area, it has been called an ETIAS Visa. While it is technically not a visa, an ETIAS Schengen authorization is a kind of document that will ultimately determine whether a traveler is allowed entry to the Schengen area.
How does ETIAS work and when does ETIAS go into effect?
- Before you travel to the Schengen area, you will access the ETIAS application form through either the ETIAS app or the online website, via a computer or mobile device.
- After inputting your passport information and answering several basic biographical and security questions about yourself, including your name, age, and potential criminal history, the information you provide will be checked against various EU security databases.
- If you pass what is effectively a background check, you will receive your ETIAS travel authorization, which will allow you to travel visa-free to the Schengen area.
- If your application is flagged, your ETIAS authorization could be delayed, or ultimately denied, which would effectively restrict you from entering the Schengen area.
How long is the ETIAS processing time?
- Most ETIAS applications are processed within 10 minutes.
- If there is something wrong with your travel document or to the answers to the questions you provided, or if you have a criminal history, your application could be delayed up to 60 days.
How long is ETIAS valid for?
- ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your travel document expires. Meaning once you receive one you will not need to apply for another ETIAS or any other visa to the Schengen area in order to enter and travel around it freely.
which countries need ETIAS visa?
- Anyone who is from a country allowing visa-free travel to the Schengen area who is planning on travelling to one of the 26-Schengen states will ultimately need to sign up for ETIAS.
- Citizens and residents from the United States, the UAE, Australia, and Japan are just some of the many countries whose citizens will ultimately be expected to enroll in ETIAS.
What is a ETIAS countries list?
- Citizens from the following countries will likely need to obtain an ETIAS in order to travel to the Schengen area:
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1. Albania |
31. Republic of Moldova |
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2. Antigua and Barbuda |
32. Montenegro |
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3. Argentina |
33. New Zealand |
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4. Australia |
34. Nicaragua |
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5. Bahamas |
35. Palau |
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6. Barbados |
36. Panama |
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7. Bosnia and Herzegovina |
37. Paraguay |
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8. Brazil |
38. Peru |
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9. Brunei Darussalam |
39. Saint Kitts and Nevis |
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10. Canada |
40. Saint Lucia |
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11. Chile |
41. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
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12. Colombia |
42. Samoa |
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13. Costa Rica |
43. Serbia |
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14. Dominica |
44. Seychelles |
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15. El Salvador |
45. Singapore |
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16. Georgia |
46. Solomon Islands |
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17. Grenada |
47. South Korea |
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18. Guatemala |
48. Taiwan |
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19. Honduras |
49. Timor-Leste |
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20. Hong Kong |
50. Tonga |
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21. Israel |
51. Trinidad and Tobago |
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22. Japan |
52. Tuvalu |
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23. Kiribati |
53. Ukraine |
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24. Macau |
54. United Arab Emirates |
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25. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia |
55. United Kingdom |
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26. Malaysia |
56. United States of America |
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27. Marshall Islands |
57. Uruguay |
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28. Mauritius |
58. Vanuatu |
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29. Mexico |
59. Venezuela |
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30. Micronesia |
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- As a result of BREXIT, UK citizens, as well as, British nationals (Overseas), British overseas territories citizens (BOTC), British overseas citizens (BOC), British protected persons (BPP) and British subjects (BS), will all be required to issue an ETIAS.
How much does ETIAS cost?
- At the moment, the outlined cost for the processing of an ETIAS application is €7 for adults over the age of 18; anyone under that age is free.
Who checks for your ETIAS?
- Airlines (prior to you boarding your flight).
- Schengen border agents (upon landing at an airport in the Schengen area or upon attempting to cross a land border of a Schengen state).
When will I need ETIAS?
The ETIAS system should be operational by the end of 2022, giving you some time before you have to worry about signing up for it.
Differences between ETIAS and Schengen visas
- The following chart highlights the key differences between ETIAS and the Schengen visa:
| Description | ETIAS | Schengen Visa |
| What it is: | A travel authorization | A visa |
| Who needs one: | Citizens of countries that are allowed visa-free access to the Schengen area | Anyone who does not have visa-free access to the Schengen area |
| Validity period: | Valid for 3 years unlimited entry to the Schengen area | Valid for 90 days within a 180-day period |
| Processing time: | 10 minutes | Two weeks |
| Required documents: | Passport | Passport, passport photos, travel medical insurance, and more. (See full list of basic required documents here). |
| Basic fees: | €7 registration fee | €80 standard application fee |
| Where to apply | Online through official ETIAS app or website | Through a country consulate or embassy |
| Processing time: | Around 10 minutes | Minimum 2 weeks |
| Biometric date required: | No | Yes: fingerprints and photos |
| Date in force: | late 2022 | since 1995 |
Explanation of the differences between ETIAS and Schengen visas
- The main difference between the ETIAS and Schengen visa is that the former is a travel authorization rather than a visa.
- Once obtained, an ETIAS is valid for unlimited access to the Schengen area for 3 years; Schengen visas are valid for 90-days within a 180 day period.
- The process for obtaining an ETIAS is entirely online via the ETIAS app or official website, both of which are accessible through a mobile device. In contrast, the Schengen visa application process is conducted through an individual embassy or consulate, where applicants are often required to go in person.
- Applicants for ETIAS must fill out an online application and provide a passport; Schengen visa applicants must provide a passport as well as multiple other basic required documents and supplemental documents.
- The ETIAS application process usually takes 10 minutes (although depending on the nature of your application, it could take up to 30 days); the Schengen visa application process takes a minimum of two-weeks-or in some cases even 60 days.
- In contrast to the Schengen visa, which targets people from countries that do not have visa-free access to the Schengen area, ETIAS will mandatory for citizens and residents of countries who have a visa-free travel arrangement with the Schengen area, allowing them to travel there without first obtaining a visa.
- In contrast to the Schengen visa, which is already established, the ETIAS system is not yet operational.
Please note, the above information about ETIAS could change by the time the system ultimately launches by the end of 2022 (as expected).
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