It was originally reported that the European Union would bring in the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2023. Originally, the electronic travel permit was due to be launched in 2021. Basically, as a part of the scheme, some travelers who live outside the EU would have to register and pay a €7 ($7.10) fee. However, the EU has now pushed the scheme back again and it will now only be fully operational in November 2023.

About European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

Back in 2019, when ETIAS was first announced, reports claimed that the new system was a visa. However, the European Commission quickly pointed out that this is incorrect. In fact, more than 60 countries have visa-free access to the EU, which will not change.

However, residents of those 60 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Singapore, the UK, the US and more, will need to register under the ETIAS scheme to enter the EU. This will apply to those visiting the EU from November 2023, who will need to pay a €7 ($7.10) fee to enter EU bloc countries. However, citizens of countries that currently need a visa to enter the EU for short-term visits are exempt.

Applying for ETIAS

When the system is active, travelers will be able to apply online through the ETIAS website. This will include their passport details, along with any information about a previous criminal record. They will also be asked about any presence in conflict zones and any orders to leave a territory. The system is similar to the US ESTA, which conducts an automated security check on visitors before allowing entry.

The cost for an ETIAS is €7 ($7.10) and it is estimated that 95 percent of applicants will receive a positive response within minutes. Of the remaining applicants, 3 to 4 percent may take longer to process, while 1 to 2 percent will need to go through a longer, manual review where they can be refused. Once done, the ETIAS will be valid for three years.

Where will you need to show the ETIAS?

Travelers will need to provide passports and ETIAS authorization prior to boarding airlines, ferries, buses and trains. Should they reach a border check without securing the authorization, they will be denied entry.

On a more confusing note, the ETIAS won’t be required for every EU nation. It will rather be required for those countries within the Schengen Area, where border controls have been dropped. As things stand right now, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania do not fall within that zone. Thus, an ETIAS will not be required to visit. Meanwhile, it will be required to visit the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

According to the European Commission, the new ETIAS system will improve security. Meanwhile, it will still retain its commitment to greater access to visa-free travel.

Meanwhile, the ETIAS is valid for a three-year period, or until the expiry date of the travel document. During that period, travelers can make an unlimited number of entries into EU countries within the Schengen Area.