ETIAS, which is the requirement for the Schengen area, has been a topic of concern for a number of people, especially for people with citizenship in the United Kingdom. So, if you are a UK citizen and wish to travel to Schengen, you must be aware of the ETIAS form. This article will help you understand all the basics.
What is the visa waiver form of ETIAS?
The novel visa waiver for Europe, by the end of the next year ETIAS will be required by citizens entering the Schengen Area who belong to visa-waiver nations. The ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be conducted completely online. In order to apply for it, the travellers will be required to fill a form online. The major aim of this is to enhance border security and augment the safety of the destinations in Europe.
Process and Guidelines for an ETIAS application
In order to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver, you will be required to follow three steps:
1. Check the requirements for ETIAS: The travellers must confirm that they meet the criteria associated with ETIAS and that they are eligible for application. This visa waiver will be a choice for citizens belonging to more than 60 nations. In fact, it can be utilised for visiting the continent of Europe for transit, business and tourism purposes.
2. Completion of the ETIAS form: The travellers who are eligible based on the criteria can now fill the application form electronically. It would be rapid as well as easy to finish, needing just basic details and information of the passport – only a credit/debit card, e-mail address and a valid passport are required.
3. Obtain the ETIAS: The process of an ETIAS application takes place rapidly. They are linked electronically to the passport of the traveller and a notification on the email is received by the traveller. The officials in Europe tend to verify the visa waiver at the time of the passport’s scanning, which takes place at the border.
Who is required to apply for an ETIAS?
The citizens that belong to non-European union visa waiver countries are required to apply for an ETIAS. The citizens who hold passports and are among the list of 60 nations are allowed to visit the continent for short durations without the requirement of a visa. By the end of the next year, these people will be required to register with ETIAS prior to their arrival.
ETIAS is a novel entry requirement associated with all 26 nations in the Schengen Area. These also include famous destinations for vacations like France, Italy, and Spain. The citizens of nations that have visa-exempt who are required to visiting Europe for transit, business or tourism are eligible for the application of an ETIAS.
How long can one stay in the continent with an ETIAS?
The holders of ETIAS can stay at any place within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days per 6 month period. It is possible for entering the Schengen zone a number of times within this limit of 90-days. Primarily, ETIAS is designed for short business trips as well as holidays in European destinations. The requirement of a visa is there for staying more than 90 days or for working, residing or studying in the area.
Requirements for an ETIAS application
There are certain requirements for an ETIAS form. In order to begin the process of application, travellers only require:
• An email address
• A credit or debit card
• A passport from the country of visa-waiver
Since an ETIAS is not a visa, there are no further document requirements to apply for one.
Information needed for applying for an ETIAS
Applicants of the ETIAS are required to fill out a short form of an ETIAS consisting of the following details:
• Passport details
• Gender
• Nation of citizenship
• Date of birth
• Full name
The ETIAS form of application also comprises certain questions associated with security and health. All the necessary information must be filled in accurately and in case of an error, there may be a delay in the application’s processing.
When are travellers required to apply?
Travellers are not required to apply for an ETIAS every time they plan a trip to Europe. In fact, the visa waiver that is approved has a validity of 3 years or until the expiration of the passport. The same process of authorisation can be utilised for entering the Schengen Area a number of times as long as the validity of the passport and ETIAS remain intact.
When would it be necessary to apply for an ETIAS?
Yet, ETIAS is not available and is likely to be introduced by the end of the next year. There is likely to be a period of 6 months for implementation prior to the mandate of an ETIAS. Currently, visitors that go visa-free will be able to cross Schengen Area’s external border only if they have already applied.
