The ETIAS will undergo a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether they can be allowed to enter any Schengen Zone country. Since citizens of countries who do not need a visa for travel purposes of up to 90 days in the EU do not need to go through a long process of applying for the visa, the ETIAS will make sure that these people are not a security threat. This travel authorization system will gather, keep track of, and update necessary information regarding visitors to determine whether it is safe for them to enter Schengen countries.
According to the European Commission, ETIAS will integrate with and complement existing security databases, such as the as Schengen Information System (SIS), as well as those still in development like the Entry Exit System (EES). The EES will allow authorities to get a closer look at cross-border movement and travel history data. ETIAS will be integrated and interoperable with other EU authorization systems and will automatically cross-check each application against the Schengen Information System (SIS) Europe’s most often used security database, in place since 2013. SIS contains more than 80 million records
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 is an online system that runs a comprehensive security check on applicants to make border crossings easier and travel safer. Just one small error – even a misspelling – can delay approval or even cause denial of your entry into a participating ETIAS country. You must apply for ETIAS in advance of your trip. The approval process can take up to four days, but most applications are approved immediately.
Europe is an extraordinary travel destination, here are a few attractions you can visit. Punta Moscarter Lighthouse: For a relatively small island like Ibiza it’s amazing how remote and wild the northern tip can feel. This part of the island has pine forest, farmland and a coastline scattered with little holiday communities clustered around coves that cut deep into the coastline. For something a bit different, put on a pair of sturdy shoes and walk the cliff-top trail from Portinatx to the lighthouse. It was built in the 70s and at 52 metres is the tallest man-made structure on the island. The trek through pine scrub and juniper is a bit of a challenge, but the photos you can take from the headland here make it all worthwhile.
The ETIAS form is accessed directly online. You’ll be prompted to provide your passport details and asked to answer a list of security questions, so have your valid passport handy before you begin. You’ll also need a credit or debit card to complete the process. Once you’re finished, the form is submitted immediately. See extra info on etia.com.