A visa waiver is a form of authorization for visitors who do not require an entrance visa. Visa waiver programmes allow for security checks on visa-free travellers.
Visa waivers and visas are not the same thing. Visa waivers are for visitors who are granted visa-free access into a foreign nation. Visitors who are not visa-exempt may not travel with a visa waiver; instead, they must have a valid visa.
To enable secure visa-free travel, several nations throughout the world offer visa waiver programmes. The ESTA in the United States and the eTA in Canada are two examples.
Although each visa waiver programme is unique, the goal is to improve border administration and security.
To apply for a visa waiver, travellers must often register online, supplying basic personal information and passport information. The procedure is less complicated than applying for a visa.
An electronic travel authorization is another term for a visa waiver. Both terms allude to this particular visa-free immigration authorization.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A VISA WAIVER OR TRAVEL AUTHORISATION
Visa waivers varies from one nation to the next. However, there are some features that many people share. Visa exemptions are typically:
- Valid for multiple entries
- Valid for 2 or 3 years
- Issued electronically
- For short stays
- For purposes like tourism and business
ETIAS IS THE NEW VISA WAIVER FOR EUROPE
Non-EU nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area will need to apply for a fresh visa waiver online before their travel. ETIAS will be operational beginning in November 2023.
Visitors who do not require a visa must supply basic information as well as passport information. There will undoubtedly be some concerns about safety and security. To discover possible security issues, this information will be cross-checked against international security databases.
If the ETIAS application is refused, the tourist will be unable to enter the Schengen Area without a visa.
The applicant’s passport will be connected to the ETIAS visa waiver. It is valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first. Non-EU nationals will be permitted to visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days each 180-day term with the approved ETIAS.