UPDATE – As I mentioned in my original blog below, it’s important to continue check on the implementation of ETIAS. The new implementation target is November 2023 in order to accommodate integration with other parties. The following link provides additional details as to the delay.
Why was ETIAS delayed again to November 2023? – ETIAS.COM
ETIAS is the acronym for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. In this post, I am summarizing information gathered from the official websites:
- ETIAS for Americans – https://www.etias.us/
- The main ETIAS website – https://etias.com/
ETIAS serves as a supplemental travel authorization accompanying a valid passport for countries not requiring a Schengen Visa, and is valid for visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The EU countries have been planning to implement the program since 2016. The legislation approving the program was ratified on July 5, 2018. The purpose of this authorization is multi-fold, but the primary reasons are to ensure there is a background screening of folks coming into the Schengen Zone, given the open borders, and as a means to generate operational revenue.
The original implementation timeline for ETIAS was to go live in 2021. To allow effective implementation of the system, and I expect some impact of the COVID pandemic, the go-live date has extended a couple of times.
As of this writing, there is some conflict between the two websites. The main ETIAS site indicates a “go live” of January 1, 2023, and the ETIAS for Americans site recently announced a “go live” of May, 2023. I recommend as your trip approaches, that you visit the websites to validate the requirement. It is important to apply for the ETIAS waiver before you depart to ensure you travel in compliance. As with your passport, the airline and cruise operators will validate your ETIAS status before boarding.
The program applies to the 26 Schengen countries. There is sometimes confusion between those countries in the Schengen Zone, and the members of the EU. Not every country in the Schengen Zone is in the EU, i.e. Switzerland, and not very EU country is in the Schengen Zone, i.e. Ireland. Its always important to make sure you know the entry requirements for the country you are traveling to.
The program is not applicable to travelers from every country. Travelers need to review the program to see if they are eligible. Travelers from countries not included in the program will require a full Schengen Visa for entry.
That said, you should make sure that you add the ETIAS authorization to your “to do” check list when you prepare for travel to the Schengen countries in the second half of next year (2023).
Here is some basic information regarding ETIAS:
- ETIAS is an Authorization, not a Schengen Visa.
- If your travel goes beyond standard tourism, or business travel, or exceeds the 90-day stay parameter, investigate the Schengen Visa for your requirements.
- The ETIAS application will do a scan of the personal information provided for each traveler through eu-LISA and INTERPOL to assess health and security risks.
- Once the program goes live, travelers to the Schengen Zone must seek approval prior to travel.
- The Application is fully on line. There is not a need to engage with a consulate to obtain the ETIAS waiver.
- Fee: 7 Euro for travelers between the ages of 18 and 70. It is free for those younger and older than the range provided.
- Validity: 3 years in conjunction with a valid passport.
- If you have to renew your passport during these 3 years, it appears you need to apply for a new ETIAS to affiliate with your new passport.
- The recommendation is to print and carry two copies of your approved ETIAS with you when you travel.
- The ETIAS program indicates that this process should be quick:
- Online application (for the US site): https://www.etias.us/application/
- Approval, if there are no flags, should take just a few minutes. The application can be a last-minute effort. Recommendations are to apply for the ETIAS at least 96 hours before your departure.
- If there is a flag:
- Review can take 12 hours, and approval withing 4 days.
- Denial – if you are denied, there is a process to challenged the decision. The timeline for resolution will obviously be dependent upon the circumstances.
- The website authors estimate that 95-97% of applicants will be addressed through the online process.
This is a change for those of us that have historically entered the these countries with just the US passport, but it isn’t a consequential impact. The program is not an unrealistic, or cost prohibitive, requirement for entry into the Schengen Zone. This program is also reflective of the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program in place in the US. It is also less expensive. The US Customs & Border Protection recently raised the application fee for the ESTA Program to $21.00.
As previously mentioned, travelers to the EU in the latter half of 2023 need to add the ETSIAS travel authorization to their travel checklist. I also recommend that you visit the above ETIAS sites periodically for updates of requirements, fees, or changes to the process and timelines.
Travel well. Pursue adventure!
O.M.I.A.H.