The main reason for the approval of the ETIAS authorization is security. With the increased risk of travelers worldwide, the EU wants to ensure safe travels in its countries. The ETIAS will decrease security concerns substantially through its information and data gathering systems. What this means, is that the ETIAS will detect if a person is a threat in any way to the security of Schengen countries. This will lead to the person being denied entry and avoiding the threat from being present inside EU borders. It will basically deal with a problem before it is even there.
ETIAS, scheduled to go in effect January 2021, will allow for advance checks and help close the information gap on visa-free travel within the Schengen Area of Europe. If travelers’ country of citizenship is an ETIAS-eligible country, they must apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Adopted along with ETIAS are tighter regulations within the Schengen Information System (SIS), also scheduled for a complete roll out in 2021. Both ETIAS and SIS will be integrated, giving authorities and other EU agencies the information they need to strengthen security.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information System, provides qualifying visitors a visa waiver when traveling to the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that have agreed upon who can visit and how long they can stay. The Schengen Area was created by the European Union, or EU, in the spirit of harmonious and free travel between borders and has grown to 26 countries – most are in the EU but some are not. Given the influx of international travelers to the Schengen Area, more comprehensive security checks have had to be put in place. ETIAS, much like ESTA in the United States, will create centralized data on who is visiting and why, providing enhanced security for all.
ETIAS approval allows you to bypass time-consuming and potentially costly visits to embassies and consulates. ETIAS is not a visa. It is a visa waiver. If the purpose of your trip does not fall under the scope of ETIAS, you will need to apply for a traditional visa with each country on your itinerary.
Europe is an amazing travel destination, here are a few attractions you can visit. Another great tourist spot is Hallstatt, a small village in the Salzkammergut region, famous for its salt production. As salt has long been a desired commodity used to preserve and provide flavor to food, the village has a long-standing history of wealth and prestige. The wealth accumulated from the salt industry transformed it into a glamorous baroque village. Visit Hornerwerk cavern’s subterranean salt lake and see the prehistoric man preserved in salt. Truly one of the most unique places in Austria, you must experience Hallstatt.
As stated, the ETIAS application is expected to only take about 10 minutes to fill. After 10 minutes, you will receive a notification that your session has timed out and you might be asked to start from the beginning. To avoid this, try to go through the application carefully and save your information. See extra info at etia.com.