Starting from next year, the countries of the “Schengen” region will start applying a new entry system, which is an electronic travel permit, as citizens of the sixty countries that are not members of the European Union who do not currently need visas, including the UAE, must apply for On ETIAS before traveling to member states, this system will be implemented in 2021, and online order implementation, in less than 20 minutes.
The ITAS system website stated that the new system was designed to increase security by collecting, following up and updating the necessary information for visitors without a visa to the Schengen area. At the same time, the system is supposed to reduce the procedures and waiting times related to applying for a travel permit in Europe and the Schengen area, and will include a quick and detailed security review to identify any individuals who pose a threat to the countries of the Schengen area and prevent them from entering.
The site pointed out that ETIAS is not a visa, but rather a travel permit aimed at a quick and effective review of individuals wishing to visit the Schengen area, for tourism or business in order to determine whether they pose a threat to any of the member states in the Schengen area.
The ETIAS system targets citizens of the 60 countries currently permitted to travel without a visa within the European Union, while citizens of European Union countries will not be obligated to apply for ETIAS as they are entitled to freedom of movement within the region, nor will citizens of countries outside the Union who hold valid residence cards are required to apply To request ETIAS to travel to other countries within the region.
The website stated that the new system will achieve time and effort by prompt and effective request procedures, improving border management, completing the European Union visa liberalization policy, helping to prevent illegal immigration, and helping to strengthen the fight against crime and terrorism.
It is worth noting that Schengen visas allow visitors to travel within the entire region without the need to re-apply for a visa for each country, as well as 60 countries outside the European Union are allowed to stay for 90 days in Europe without the need to apply for a visa at all.
The site explained that citizens of the 60 countries that are not members of the European Union who do not currently need visas, must apply for ETIAS before traveling to member states.
Applicants will have to provide personal data such as name, last name, maiden name, date of birth, and place of birth. Other required information will include the status of current citizenship, address, email, phone, education, job experience and the country they plan to visit first.
Other important information will also include matters such as questions about background and eligibility, medical details, information on the time spent in any war zone, previous deportations and criminal records.
For minors, the application must be filled in by a legal guardian, and family members from other countries in the Schengen area will need to provide proof of kinship and residence card in addition to other background information.
ETIAS has a validity period of three years or until the expiry date of the travel document used in the application, whichever is earlier, ETIAS will normally allow residence for up to 90 days within the region.
The request price is currently set at a cost of 7 euros; for applicants 17 years of age or younger, they will not be charged.