From next year (2024), travelers from more than 60 countries around the world, who can currently travel to the Schengen Area without a visa, will need to apply for a travel authorization to enter any of the Member States, and of course this includes the Kingdom of Belgium.
The launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been postponed several times has been postponed on several occasions, but is unlikely to be postponed again. This means that travelers will have to prepare to apply for an ETIAS authorization from mid-2024.
While the EU has taken some steps to inform third country nationals who will need an ETIAS in the future, and several more are planned for the coming months, regarding the system, application procedures, fees and more, travelers still remain confused about how ETIAS will affect them and what its purpose is.
Incorrect media information and interpretations of ETIAS, often made on purpose, have caused confusion among travelers who, for some years now, have been trying to stay informed about the system and the date it would come into effect.
Here are some important points you should know about this system:
- ETIAS IS NOT A VISA: Despite misleading claims, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-screening visa waiver program for all travelers under the EU visa waiver program.
- THE ETIAS WEBSITE IS UNDER THE DOMAIN «EUROPA.EU«: There are many websites claiming to be the official ETIAS website. However, the official ETIAS website is under the Europa.eu domain.
- SCHENGEN VISA APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY ETIAS: Travelers from more than 100 countries worldwide who currently require a Schengen visa will not need an ETIAS.
- ETIAS IS NOT A «BREXIT REVENGE» BUT A SECURITY MEASURE: Despite speculation, the creation of ETIAS is not related to Brexit. Its main purpose is to secure the EU’s borders.
- MANY OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE SIMILAR SCHEMES: Countries such as the U.S., Australia and Canada already operate systems similar to ETIAS.
- APPLICATION PROCEDURES SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 10 MINUTES: Applying for an ETIAS is much easier than applying for a visa.
- COSTS ONLY €7: Despite claims to the contrary, ETIAS is quite inexpensive.
- YOU CAN TRAVEL TO THE SCHENGEN AREA WITH THE SAME ETIAS, AS LONG AS IT IS VALID: An ETIAS will be valid for two years at first.
- ETIAS OPERATION IS LINKED TO THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES): The EES is another system recently developed by the EU to improve security in the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is a travel authorization that allows citizens of non-Schengen countries to travel to the Schengen area.
Citizens of countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area will need an ETIAS authorization.
The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
There is a fee associated with the ETIAS application, but the exact amount may vary.
If your application is rejected, you will be informed of the reason and you may appeal the decision.
Yes, the ETIAS authorization allows you to travel to all Schengen countries.
You will need personal information, passport details and to answer some security questions.
It is advisable to apply for ETIAS well in advance of your trip.
If your passport expires before your ETIAS authorization expires, the authorization will no longer be valid and you will have to apply for a new one with your new passport.
If your children obtained their ETIAS authorization as minors and are now adults, you will need to verify the validity of their authorization. If it has expired or is no longer valid for any reason, they must apply for a new one.
