European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new online travel pre-screening system that will be implemented by the European Union in 2021. ETIAS is designed to simplify the travel process for visitors coming to Europe by collecting travel and biometric information upfront and conducting a security assessment to determine if a traveler is eligible for entry.
For visitors from visa-free countries, ETIAS is a compulsory pre-screening measure that must be obtained before gaining entry to the European Union. The primary purpose of ETIAS is to improve security and facilitate the movement of people through Europe’s borders.
The ETIAS application process is relatively simple. Applicants will be required to provide their biographical information such as their name, birthday and nationality, as well as details about their passport. The applicant will also be required to answer security questions about themselves and their travel history. The applicant’s responses will then be checked against a database of potential security threats.
Once the security assessment is complete and the application is approved, applicants will be issued an electronic travel authorization (ETA) which will be valid for three years. This ETA will allow the applicant to travel to any country in the Schengen zone of the EU multiple times during the three-year period.
To ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience, applicants will be required to carry their valid passport and ETA at all times during their travels. Additionally, the applicant’s information will be shared with EU member countries and law enforcement agencies.
The ETIAS system is not intended to replace or limit existing visa or border checks in the EU, but rather to extend the safety and security of travelers. The database of information collected from ETIAS will be shared with national authorities across the EU, allowing them to conduct better background checks on travelers. Additionally, the information collected can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as immigration and customs enforcement.
ETIAS is also intended to provide travelers with a streamlined and secure experience when traveling within the European Union. The application process is intended to be user-friendly and efficient, making it easy for travelers to gain entry into the European Union with minimal hassle.
Overall, the ETIAS system should significantly improve security within the European Union while making the travel process simpler and faster for visitors coming to Europe. The ETIAS system is a major step forward for the European Union in terms of travel security and making the European travel experience more secure and efficient.