Launch of the European travel authorization system ETIAS has been postponed yet again. Without prior announcement, the EU changed the date of its introduction from November 2023 to 2024 on the website of the EU's Committee on Migration and Home Affairs.
The absence of any explanation from the EU on the reasons for this new postponement has raised questions about the development and effective implementation ofETIAS. The postponement of the launch could be linked to the technical and logistical difficulties involved in setting up such a large-scale system, but this has not been officially confirmed, according to the SchengenVisaInfo.com website.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system that will be implemented by the European Union from 2024 for travelers from third countries who currently benefit from an EU visa waiver. The system operates on the same principle as the American ESTA, and aims to strengthen EU border security by carrying out security and safety checks prior to travelers' arrival.
Share the news with your friends, colleagues or followers.
(~1.35K shares)
An idea or questions, etc. Add your comment
Why is the EU launching ETIAS?
The EU launches ETIAS to strengthen border security and better control people entering the EU. European authorities believe that the current visa waiver system is vulnerable to abuse, and that enhanced security and safety checks are needed to prevent the risk of terrorist attacks or other security threats.
ETIAS will enable European authorities to carry out prior security checks on people wishing to enter the EU. It will also enable suspicious or undesirable persons to be detected more quickly, so that they can be prevented from entering the EU.
Be the first to know about new opportunities by e-mail. It's free!
ETIAS also aims to make it easier for people from non-EU countries to travel to Europe, by reducing border queues and guaranteeing fast, smooth entry to European territory. ETIAS will also facilitate border controls for the European authorities.
Which countries are covered by ETIAS?
ETIAS concerns travelers from third countries that currently benefit from visa-free entry to the EU. These countries include the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, as well as several Caribbean, Central and South American countries.
ETIAS will also apply to nationals of countries that have signed free trade agreements with the EU, such as Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, travelers from third countries that have not signed agreements with the EU will still need to obtain a visa to travel to Europe.
How does ETIAS work?
ETIAS works on the same principle as ESTA in the USA. Travelers from non-EU countries who are currently visa-exempt for the EU will need to complete an online form to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization. The information provided by travelers will be verified by EU authorities to ensure that travelers do not pose a security risk to the EU.
Once travelers have received their ETIAS authorization, they can enter the EU for up to 90 days over a six-month period. Travelers will be able to visit any country in the Schengen area, which comprises 26 EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Travelers must have a passport valid for travel to Europe, and must complete the ETIAS application form at least 72 hours before travel. Travelers will also need to provide information on their place of residence and travel itinerary, as well as employment or training details and criminal record.
Travelers who do not obtain ETIAS authorization will not be able to enter the EU, and will need to obtain a visa to travel to Europe.
The economic impact of ETIAS on European tourism
ETIAS could have an economic impact on tourism in Europe. Travelers from foreign countries currently benefiting from visa exemption in the EU could be deterred from visiting Europe by the requirement to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization and the associated registration fees.
This could lead to a drop in tourist numbers in Europe, with negative consequences for the European tourism industry. European countries rely heavily on tourism for their economies, and a drop in tourist numbers could have an impact on employment and economic growth in these countries.
However, supporters of ETIAS argue that the system will enable European authorities to better control people entering the EU and reduce security risks. This could improve the security of European citizens and visitors to the EU, which could encourage more tourists to visit Europe.
ETIAS and the question of national sovereignty
ETIAS also raises questions of national sovereignty. Some European countries, such as France and Germany, have expressed reservations about ETIAS, claiming that it could encroach on their national sovereignty in matters of migration policy.
However, the EU has argued that ETIAS is necessary to strengthen security at the EU's borders and to better control people entering the EU. Supporters of ETIAS argue that it will improve the security of European citizens and visitors to the EU, which is a priority for the EU.
