ETIAS Programme to Be Implemented by the End of 2025

Image Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas

In 2025, the European Union will introduce a new security measure aimed at enhancing the safety of its borders while facilitating smoother travel for non-EU visitors. The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a travel authorisation system designed to track and manage the influx of tourists and business travellers into the Schengen Area. While it is not a visa, the ETIAS is a mandatory requirement for visitors from over 60 countries who currently enjoy visa-free access to Europe.

The ETIAS programme functions similarly to the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), requiring travellers from eligible countries to apply for and receive electronic authorisation before entering any of the 27 Schengen Area countries. This initiative aims to increase security, ensure a more streamlined entry process, and reduce the burden on European borders by pre-screening travellers before they arrive.

The ETIAS system, which will be fully operational by the end of 2025, will allow travellers to apply for permission to enter Europe through an online application process. Applicants will need to provide essential details, including their personal information, travel itinerary, and any potential criminal records. They will also be asked about their travel history, health, and their reasons for visiting Europe. This information is processed and assessed against various security databases, including Interpol and Europol, to detect any potential risks.

The introduction of ETIAS reflects the European Union's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens while maintaining the free movement that the Schengen Area offers. While the Schengen Zone, which includes countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, allows citizens and residents of member states to travel freely within the area without internal borders or passport controls, the growing concerns about security and migration necessitate enhanced screening of non-EU travellers.

ETIAS is particularly focused on strengthening Europe’s ability to combat security threats such as terrorism, organised crime, and illegal immigration. By gathering data before travellers arrive, the EU can identify risks early and prevent potential threats from entering the continent.

Furthermore, ETIAS is an extension of Europe's ongoing efforts to align travel security with technological advancements. In today’s digital age, it makes sense for the EU to streamline entry processes by implementing systems that can quickly identify potential risks while easing the flow of legitimate travellers.

The ETIAS programme will apply to citizens of non-EU countries who are currently allowed to enter the Schengen Area without a visa. These countries, which include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil, among others, are considered "visa-exempt" nations. However, ETIAS will be required for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

This means that visitors from these countries will need to apply for ETIAS before boarding their flight to Europe. It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa, so it does not grant the holder the right to work, study, or reside in the Schengen Area. It is solely an authorisation for short-term visits.

For longer stays or activities such as working, studying, or settling in Europe, travellers will still need to apply for the appropriate visa.

The ETIAS application process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Applicants will be able to apply online through the ETIAS website or via a mobile app. The application form will require basic personal information, such as the applicant’s name, passport details, travel history, and security-related questions. In some cases, applicants may also need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a travel itinerary or proof of accommodation.

Once submitted, the application will typically be processed within minutes. In most cases, travellers will receive approval instantly or within a few hours. However, in some situations, further checks may be required, which could result in a longer processing time. Approved ETIAS authorisations will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing travellers to make multiple trips to the Schengen Area during that period.

It’s important to note that ETIAS is only required for air, sea, and land travellers entering the Schengen Area. Travellers passing through the UK or other non-Schengen countries will not need ETIAS for these journeys, although they may need a separate visa or travel authorisation depending on their destination.

The application process for ETIAS is designed to be accessible to most travellers. The fee for submitting an ETIAS application is expected to be around €7 for individuals aged 18 to 70. Applicants under 18 or over 70 years old will not need to pay a fee.

The fee will be collected at the time of application, and payments can be made through various secure methods. Travellers should ensure that their application is completed well in advance of their intended travel date, as the system is designed to prevent last-minute applications and minimise entry delays.

For travellers, the main benefit of ETIAS will be the convenience of a quick and efficient application process. The pre-screening system will help to reduce wait times at the border and provide a more seamless entry experience. For the EU, the system offers enhanced security measures, helping to protect member states from security threats, illegal immigration, and other risks. It also helps to maintain the Schengen Area’s integrity by ensuring that only those deemed safe are granted access.

The introduction of ETIAS represents a significant shift in how Europe manages border security while continuing to foster tourism and business. For travellers, it promises a simpler and more streamlined entry process, while the EU enhances its ability to keep the continent safe and secure. As the system becomes fully operational by the end of 2025, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of European travel, offering a balance between security and convenience.