In our Spotlight on EMEA we round up the latest developments from across the region. In this post we take a look at the newly proposed European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) for the Schengen area and the Entry/Exit System (EES) which serve different functions.
What is ETIAS and how will it affect travellers?
Under new immigration rules proposed in Europe, visitors from a list of non-EU countries, including the UK, will need to apply for a waiver, similar to a US ESTA, before travelling to certain countries in Europe (around 30 countries included).
The waiver will cover travel to the Schengen area.
Once in operation (the scheme is planned to be implemented by May 2025) travellers visiting the Schengen zone will need to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver in advance for trips of up to 90 days in every period of 180 days. Currently non EU nationals are permitted to enter the Schengen zone without apply for a waiver for trips of 90 days duration.
Documents will be checked by border officials at the port of entry and will be linked to the traveller’s passport, meaning that a new passport may trigger the requirement to apply for a new visa waiver in the ETIAS.
Process and Cost
Whilst the final details of the scheme are not yet clearly published, it is expected that individuals will pay a fee of 7 euros and apply online or via a mobile app. The process should be quick to complete and applications should be approved within 72 hours.
The scheme has been hotly debated for some time and it appears the EU has decided to bring in more border controls as a response to the migrant crisis and concerns over terrorism.
It says the Etias system will “strengthen security checks on those persons who travel visa-free to the EU.
Along with the ETIAS the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch in November 2024 will further the aims of the EU through a series of biometric data capture.
What is the EES?
Under the EES scheme, people entering the EU will have to register fingerprints, a photo and passport details (Biometric data).
That initial registration will be valid for three years, during which time it must be validated every time someone crosses the border. This will replace passport stamping and it is envisaged that there will be long delays at ports of entry within the EU.
If you require more information about entry to the Schengen Zone, the new schemes or assistance with visa applications for Europe please contact [email protected] and [email protected]
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