From late 2022, eligible nationals of some foreign countries will require a special permit to enter the countries of the European Union. The permit is known as ETIAS or ETIAS visa waiver. ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will change the travel regulations for a large number of foreigners once it gets launched in 2022. 

The ETIAS visa waiver will be required for entering nations in Europe's border-free travel zone Schengen area, which includes 26 popular travel destinations. These include countries like Italy, Spain, France, Germany, etc. Visit www.etias-visas.com to find out specific criteria you must meet to get the authorisation to visit the 26 countries in Europe's Schengen area. The section below will educate you about the basics you must be aware of about the ETIAS Visa waiver. 

What's the Reason behind Launching ETIAS Visa Waiver? 

To find a suitable answer to the above question you must first know what ETIAS is. At present, citizens of over 60 nations are allowed to enter the Schengen zone in Europe only if they have a valid passport. They don't need a visa to cross the border of any nation in that area. 

Indeed, the visa liberalisation policy of the European Union has made it easier for people to visit Europe. However, the launch of this policy resulted in concerns that it might compromise the security of the people in Europe. These concerns resulted in the creation of ETIAS. To be more precise, ETIAS has been designed for covering the gaps of the liberalisation policy. 

ETIAS, once launched, will protect the visa-less privileges but without compromising people's security. The policy will require every individual arriving in these nations from outside of Europe to undergo pre-screening. This, in turn, will keep potential threats at bay and prevent malicious individuals from legally crossing the border of countries in the Schengen zone. 

An Introduction to ETIAS Visa Waiver 

According to information provided by the European Commission, the ETIAS will have significant similarities with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the Visa Waiver Program in use in the United States. Every traveller will not be allowed to apply for ETIAS authorisation. The program will be available only for the citizens of around 60 European countries. 

To prove your eligibility for obtaining ETIAS authorization, you'll need to provide certain information related to your travel plans and identity when filling out the application form. Some facts you'll need to share as a traveller looking to get ETIAS authorisation are as follows:

  • Personal information (full name, address, contact details, etc.)

  • Parents' information 

  • Place of birth

  • Date of birth 

Other than that, you'll need to submit copies of a valid passport and travel documents. Potential travellers will also need to share some supplementary information. This might include:

  • Criminal records 

  • Employment history 

  • Public health hazards

  • Previous rejection of entry requests

  • Information on previous European travel

Once the application process is over and you meet the required criteria, you'll receive your authorisation within just a few minutes. However, some do need to wait for as much as a couple of weeks to get a decision. Once you'll get the ETIAS authorisation, it will remain valid for three years or till your passport's expiry date (whichever arrives first). 

Rejection of ETIAS Application 

While it's unlikely that you'll face major hurdles to get your ETIAS application approved, there can be situations when applicants might face rejection. The most common reasons behind such rejections are as follows:

  • The application might get rejected if the applicant uses one or more travel documents that are reported to be stolen, lost, invalidated, or misappropriated in the SIS or Schengen Information System. 

  • Rejection of the application is possible if the applicant is found to pose a security risk to the travellers entering the Schengen zone and the natives of the region. 

  • The application can be rejected if the applicant is found to pose a risk of illegal immigration. 

  • The application can get rejected if the applicant lives in an epidemic stricken country or has recently travelled to an epidemic stricken country.

  • If there's a prevailing alert for the applicant in the Schengen Information System for being refused entry/stay, his/her application can get rejected. 

  • The application rejection can also be a result of the applicant's failure in replying to a request for additional documentation or information within a given deadline. 

  • The application rejection can also be a result of the applicant's failure in attending an additional interview when needed. 

Other than the above situations, rejection can occur even if there are serious and reasonable doubts regarding the authenticity and legitimacy of the information provided by the applicant. This happens primarily when the applicant fails to submit supporting documents for all information provided by him or her on the application form. 

Cost of Applying for ETIAS Visa

If you are below the age of 18 years, you'll not need to pay anything to apply for ETIAS. However, individuals above the age of 18 years are required to pay 7 euros for applying for the same.

Final Words 

The regulation you'll need to follow might vary depending on your travel plans and the country you are coming from. So, don't forget to seek expert advice before you submit your application for an ETIAS visa. This will increase your chances of getting the approval promptly and you'll be able to enjoy exploring the gorgeous countries constituting the Schengen area without any hindrance.