In 2024, all foreigners who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area must obtain an electronic travel permit through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
What you should know about ETIAS:
- It is required who travel for tourism or business for a period of less than 90 days.
- Once inside the Schengen Area, the ETIAS does not affect free transit.
- Once the travel permit is approved, it will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- The process will have a cost and will be done online.
The system will verify security credentials and charge a fee for travelers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, health or transit purposes. Travelers currently visiting Europe without a visa will be able to enter EU and Schengen member countries free of charge and without any digital security screening prior to arrival in Europe. The ETIAS permit is not a visa; it is more accurate to refer to it as a visa waiver. The ETIAS permit, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers who do not require a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks before being allowed to enter the EU.
Apply for an ETIAS travel authorization
You can fill in the application form through the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Requesting the ETIAS travel authorization will cost 7 euros, although some travelers are exempt from paying this fee.
Once the application is submitted
You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application, which will include your unique ETIAS application number – be sure to keep this number for future reference.
Once your request is processed, you will receive another email informing you of the result.
When you receive your ETIAS travel authorization, make sure that your name, passport number and other details are correct: if there are any errors, you will not be allowed to cross the border.
If your request is denied, the email will state the reasons for this decision. It will also include information on how to appeal, the data of the competent authority and the deadline to do so.
Authorization validity
ETIAS will have a total duration of 3 years, or equivalent to the duration of your passport if it has a lower expiration date.
That is, once requested, you can use it unlimited to enter the Schengen area, always respecting your 90 days in 180 as a tourist.
How is it requested?
You will need to apply for this authorization BEFORE traveling to Europe.
One of the advantages of the ETIAS is that it is much easier to apply than the traditional tourist visa, being able to complete the entire process simply with your passport or travel document (besides being cheaper!).
Well, in general, in a few minutes you will have your authorization, so the process works almost immediately.
This is so since once you fill out the corresponding form, the system will cross your data with all the information bases of the European Union at the level of security and borders, returning a verification in a very short time that everything is correct.
In the event that additional reviews are required, the process could take up to 30 days, although this will not be typical at all.
If you want to do any Immigration procedure or if you want to apply, our expert team in the field will assist you. Fill out this contact form and we will call you to start everything as soon as possible.
