23-11-2022

The final agreement to implement ETIAS has been accepted by the European Parliament (European Travel Information and Authorization System). The new programme is expected to go into effect in November 2023.

ETIAS was approved with 494 votes out of a total of 609. The goal of ETIAS is to improve regional security and streamline the process of obtaining travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area.

“Our police officers and border guards need the necessary tools to accomplish their duties – keeping our residents safe and our borders secure,” said Commissioner King. ETIAS will check visa-exempt travellers for potential security issues.”

Once ETIAS is functioning, visitors to the Schengen Area will need to enlist by completing an online form. The data they supply will be compared to multiple security databases.

“The new ETIAS will ensure that there is no longer a knowledge gap regarding visa-free travellers.” Anyone who poses a migratory or security danger will be recognised before they reach EU borders, according to Commissioner Avramopoulos.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF ETIAS REGULATION

The European Union has agreed on a few key principles that will underpin ETIAS implementation.

  • Affordable: Applicants will have to pay a reasonable one-off fee using a credit or debit card to submit the online application.
  • Fast and simple: Completing the application should not take more than 10 minutes and automatic approval will be given in over 95% of cases.
  • Effective: All the information provided will be cross-checked against numerous EU data systems including Europol and Interpol.
  • Clear and fair: When authorization is refused, the applicant will need to be informed about the decision within 96 hours. Applicants will always have the right to appeal refusals.

ETIAS REGULATION ENTERS IN FULL FORCE

The European Parliament and Council Regulations 2018/1240 and 2018/1241, which were published in the EU Office Journal in mid-September following the European Council’s adoption of the ETIAS regulation, went into effect on October 9th, 2018.

Following the introduction of these regulations, the EU Agency eu-LISA will be able to begin developing the ETIAS system and constructing the platform for future qualified travellers. The ETIAS system will be a critical tool in helping to secure the Schengen Area. This organisation specialises in the operational management of large-scale information technology systems in the freedom, security, and justice sectors.

Following the European Parliament’s final approval of ETIAS implementation in July, the next natural step was to proceed with the Parliament and Council Regulations. The eu-LISA has been given the go-ahead to create an electronic travel information and authorization system.

ETIAS is scheduled to go live in November 2023. When the system goes live, visitors from more than 50 visa-free nations will be required to obtain a valid ETIAS in order to enter the Schengen Area.

THE MAKING OF ETIAS

In 2016, President Juncker emphasised the importance of addressing flaws in EU data management systems. He stated that the European Commission would propose the establishment of ETIAS, an automated system for pre-screening travellers before they reach the Schengen Area.

He stated that the new system would protect both fundamental rights and data. The legislative proposal was launched in November 2016 and quickly rose to political prominence. The most recent vote validates the subsequent agreements reached by the European Parliament and the European Council.

The Council’s official approval will be the next step in the implementation of ETIAS. The texts will be signed into law by the President of the European Parliament and the rotating Presidency of the Council.

WHAT WILL TRAVELERS NEED TO DO BEFORE GOING TO THE SCHENGEN AREA?

Following the adoption of ETIAS, all non-EU citizens will be required to enrol in ETIAS before travelling to any Schengen Area country. Applicants must submit information such as their full name, residence, date of birth, and passport details into the ETIAS application.

There will also be some security and health concerns. The application process will take only a few minutes, and if granted, the ETIAS travel permit will be emailed to the applicant.

Travelers will be able to enter any Schengen country by presenting their ETIAS document in addition to their passport. There are no hard borders between Schengen countries; instead, they share a single external border.