The EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has published a list debunking the main myths and speculation circulating online about the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) so that people have the correct information, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com.
FACT 1: You Will Need an ETIAS to Enter 30 Countries in Europe.
According to the list, the number one myth regarding the ETIAS is that it will be needed by travellers from third countries to travel to the 27 countries in the Schengen Area.
The Directorate-General points out that, aside from the Schengen countries, travel authorization will be needed, for travel to Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus too. These three countries are not part of the Schengen Area but are EU Member States. The first two are also in the process of joining Schengen.
FACT 2: ETIAS Is Not a Visa.
The EU Commission has also listed the claim that the ETIAS is a visa for nationals of over 60 countries under the EU’s visa-free regime as one of the most common myths.
“ETIAS is not a visa. Similar travel authorisations for visa-exempt nationals are required by the US, Canada and Australia,” the list clarifies.
The EU is not the first nor will it be the last to start operating such schemes. The United States have been running their ESTA system for years now, while the UK will gradually start to introduce its own scheme, called the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), from November this year when it will start applying for Qatari nationals.
The UK ETA will also apply to EU nationals with a fee of 12 euros, but the start date is still unknown.
“Unlike when applying for a visa, travellers will be able to apply for ETIAS online, there is no need to go a Consulate, and biometric data will not be collected as part of the application process,” says the EU.
FACT 3: There Is Only One Official ETIAS Website.
Next, the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs confirms that there is, and will be, only one official website for ETIAS applications, adding that there are already many unofficial websites in existence run by commercial intermediaries.
However, it still reminds travellers that once the official ETIAS website starts operating in 2024, commercial intermediaries will be allowed to use it to apply on behalf of their clients.
FACT 4: ETIAS Will Be Valid for 3 Years and Not 5.
Despite claims that a single ETIAS will be valid for five years, the EU clarifies that in fact, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years, or in case the holder’s passport expires before three years, then on the date of the passport expiration the ETIAS also becomes invalid.
FACT 5: It Is Not Possible to Apply for a Schengen Visa If Your ETIAS is Rejected.
There have been claims that if a traveller’s ETIAS application is rejected, then they can apply for a Schengen Visa. This is untrue. The EU explains that those who have their application rejected have the right to appeal, but not to apply for a short-term visa.
“It is not possible for visa-exempt travellers to apply for a visa if their ETIAS is refused. A visa and an ETIAS are different types of authorisations, intended for different categories of travellers,” the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs clarifies.
They also confirmed that travellers will still be able to reapply as a previous refusal will not lead to the automatic refusal of a new application in the future.
FACT 6: All Travellers Will Need an ETIAS, No Exceptions.
No age will be exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETIAS, the EU says, debunking the myth that only people between the ages of 18-70 will need to apply for one, as everyone needs to.
However, travellers under the age of 18 and those aged 70 and older will be exempt from paying the 7 euros fee.
FACT 7: No Medical History Will Be Required for Application.
Lastly, the EU Commission debunks the myth that applicants need to provide their medical information.
This is not true, as no medical information will be required when applying for an ETIAS. The application will, however, ask questions on personal information, including address, passport details, current occupation, and information about past travel to conflict zones, or details of any criminal convictions.
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