Complete Guide to Applying for ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is the upcoming electronic travel authorization required for visa-exempt third-country nationals visiting the Schengen Area. Below you’ll find everything you need to prepare and successfully complete your application.

1. History and Deployment

• The ETIAS Regulation was approved by the European Parliament on 5 July 2018.
• Since then, eu-LISA and national authorities in each Schengen State have collaborated on its development.
• The ETIAS system is expected to be operational from 2025.

2. Managing Authority

• Operated by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice).
• Coordinated with national border and visa authorities across the Schengen Area.

3. Scope, Validity and Coverage

• Type of stay: Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, business or short-term study.
• Multiple entries: You may enter and exit the Schengen Area as often as you like during the validity period.
• Validity: ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

4. Requirements and Data Requested

To complete the online form (approximately 10 minutes), you will need:

1. Biometric passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned exit from Schengen).
2. Personal information:
   • Full name
   • Date and place of birth
   • Gender
   • Nationality(ies)
   • Parent(s)’ names
3. Contact details: Postal address, email and phone number.
4. Travel details: Purpose, duration, first country of entry and planned return date.
5. Education and occupation details.
6. Previous travel to Europe.
7. Security and health questions: Drug use, criminal history, travel to conflict zones, etc.
8. Payment details for the ETIAS fee (debit/credit card or other online methods).

5. Verification Databases

Your data will be automatically checked against:

• INTERPOL
• Europol
• Schengen Information System (SIS)
• Visa Information System (VIS)
• European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS)

6. Fee Payment

• Standard fee: €7 per application (subject to final confirmation).
• Accepted methods: debit/credit card and other online payment options.
• Payments are processed by a bank or financial intermediary; ETIAS does not retain your payment data.

7. Approval Times

• Over 95 % of applications are approved almost immediately.
• If an alert is triggered, manual review can take 96 hours to 2 weeks.

8. Appeal Procedure

1. If your application is initially refused, you will have 96 hours to submit additional documentation.
2. The relevant Schengen authority has 4 weeks to make a final decision.
3. You have the right to appeal any refusal.

9. Special Cases and Exemptions

• Under-age applicants: Legal guardian completes the application and both sign an authorization.
• Applying on behalf of someone else: You must have a signed declaration from both parties; keep a copy.
• No group or family applications: Each traveller applies individually, as ETIAS is linked to a single passport.
• UK citizens under the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS.
• Carriers (airlines, bus and maritime operators) will check ETIAS before boarding.

10. Fee Exemptions and Reductions

• Waivers or reductions of the fee apply to:
  • Under 18 years old
  • Over 70 years old
  • Persons with disabilities

11. Practical Recommendations

• Apply at least 72 hours before your travel date, though you can apply several months in advance.
• Always use the official EU portal to avoid third-party scams.
• Keep a digital copy of your ETIAS authorization and payment confirmation.
• The portal is available in all official EU languages.

12. Data Retention and Security

• Your personal data will be stored for three years for border-control and audit purposes.
• Processing complies with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Conclusion

ETIAS will be your key to swift, secure travel within the Schengen Area. By gathering your documents, completing the form accurately and following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth authorization process and contribute to a safer travel environment for everyone.

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References

1. What is ETIAS for?
2. Official ETIAS Website (europa.eu)
3. Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5 July 2018)