What is ETIAS and what will it mean for you as a business traveler?
The number of travelers from outside the EU who Schengen countries want to visit will increase more and more in the future. To get a better handle on this flow of travelers, the EU is developing an advanced online authorization system called ETIAS. But who exactly is ETIAS for? How does it work? How long is an ETIAS travel authorization valid and what are its benefits? We tell you!
Why ETIAS?
In 2018, the European Council approved an important regulation: the creation of a European Travel Information and Authorization System. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. This system, expected to come into force in 2024, is inspired by the U.S. ESTA system. The main goal of this initiative is to ensure that travelers not subject to visa requirements are denied entry to the EU. These include travelers who pose a potential threat to public order, national security or international relations of the Netherlands or one of the Schengen countries. Even with a valid travel authorization, the traveler does not automatically have the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area. Ultimately, the Royal Military Police, which is in charge of border control, makes the decision.
Who is it for?
The ETIAS will become mandatory only for travelers from one of the 62 countries/territories outside the EU, who can now travel visa-free to any of the 27 Schengen countries. For travelers from countries where a visa is required to travel to Europe, nothing will change. They are not eligible and thus must simply apply for a visa for their trip. Passport holders within the Schengen/EU itself are exempt. It is currently unknown whether ETIAS holders will also be required to obtain medical insurance for their travel to Europe.
How does it work?
You need to fill out an online application form through a dedicated website or mobile app. All you need to fill out the application is your travel document. It takes no more than 10 minutes to fill everything in. Between the ages of 18-70, each applicant must electronically pay a fee of 7 euros. Once you confirm this payment, the automated assessment process begins immediately. And good news! For most applicants (more than 95% of all cases), you will automatically receive a positive response to your application within minutes of payment. So the process is fast and efficient.
How long is an ETIAS travel authorization valid?
Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years. Or until the travel document you used in your application expires. This depends on which document expires first. ETIAS is a multiple entry permit. This means that travelers from third countries (e.g. America, Canada, etc.) can visit Europe multiple times as long as the travel authorization remains valid. A valid ETIAS travel authorization thus entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
You must hold a valid ETIAS travel authorization throughout your stay. You can leave and return to Europe at any time as long as you respect this time limit. Be careful and make sure your passport is still valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries that require ETIAS, otherwise you will be denied entry at the border (exceptions apply).
What are the benefits?
Convenience - less waiting time for travelers at the border and streamlines access to EU member states.
Boundary efficiency - ETIAS will improve border management for security personnel screening travelers arriving and leaving EU member states.
Security - EU member states are being helped to strengthen their border security processes and procedures against crime and terrorism.
Funding - additional source of revenue for the EU budget and for managing visa-free travel for business, tourist and transit travelers
Should you need further explanation after reading this blog, our Business Travel Consultants at your service!
