Travelers heading to Europe should read up on this well before they go.
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If you’re heading to Europe next year, you should take the time to read up on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The new visa-waiver style authorization system will apply to residents from 59 countries who have previously been able to cross the border visa-free, when the program launches in 2025.
It was designed by the EU to address terrorism and migration issues, tightening up borders and working to make travel within the member countries safer.
ETIAS is a fully electronic process that allows and keeps track of visitors from those countries who aren’t required to have a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. The system, which was originally intended for implementation in 2024 and is similar to the one used in the United States, ESTA, is now expected to be fully operational in 2025, although an official start date has not yet been named. The visa-waiver, if given, will be valid for three years. Travelers will be asked to apply online, then each applicant will undergo a detailed security check to determine their status for entry into any of the Schengen Zone countries. Passport holders of 59 countries who can currently travel visa-free, will need to apply for the ETIAS.
ETIAS works to identify any security threats via the system which will gather information, track and update data relating to a specific visitor to determine their suitability for entry in the EU.
Along with decreasing security concerns and detecting potential threats, it is expected that the new ETIAS will also help:
Reduce procedures and application times
Improve the management of EU country borders
Assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism
Impede irregular migration
Reinforce the visa liberalisation policy of the EU
The European countries that will require travellers to hold a valid ETIAS upon arrival at their borders are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
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