Europe is prepared to join the many other parts of the world that already have electronic visa waiver schemes in place. The European Commission plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, in the near future. There is already a lot of information available about how it will function and the several benefits that the ETIAS visa waiver will give to the European Union.
HOW ETIAS WILL WORK AND SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL ETIAS ADVANTAGES
The ETIAS system will be quite similar to the present ESTA programme in the United States. Because the programme is only open to citizens of visa-free nations, not all travellers will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS authorization.
Travelers from qualified countries will be requested to enter information about their identification and travel intentions on the ETIAS application. Among other things, travellers will be required to provide:
- Personal details (name, surname, address, etc.)
- Valid passport/travel document
- Place and date of birth
- Parents’ information
In addition, potential travellers will be requested to give security information. This may involve inquiries about:
- Public health risks, criminal records
- Previous refusal of entries
- Employment history
- Past European travel information
Most travellers will receive their authorization within minutes of submitting their application, however some may have to wait up to two weeks. The ETIAS permission will then be sent to the traveller and it will be valid for 3 years.
ETIAS VISA WAIVER BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES
The benefits of introducing an electronic visa waiver system, which is currently in use in many parts of the world, are considerable. Furthermore, ETIAS benefits are beneficial not just to government organisations, but also to travellers.
The following are some of the most obvious ETIAS benefits:
STREAMLINED BORDER CROSSING
Travelers will be able to pass through immigration control more quickly with a more streamlined border crossing. Pre-screening travellers implies that the necessary checks will have been completed prior to crossing the border.
IMPROVED SAFETY
Because ETIAS communicates with important security databases such as SIS, VIS, EUROPOL, and Interpol, the battle against terrorism and criminal activity will be strengthened, as hazardous persons will be identified.
PREVENT ILLEGAL MIGRATION
Because an ETIAS travel authorization would be required to enter the EU, illicit migration to Europe will be more difficult and severely restricted.
BETTER BORDER MANAGEMENT
A modern border system that communicates with other key systems across the world will allow authorities to handle borders more effectively, freeing them up to focus on security concerns.
Electronic travel authorization systems have enhanced security and increased tourism everywhere they have been introduced across the world. The European Union hopes that the same result may be replicated.