ETIAS visa waivers: What you need to know
From November, visitors from 60 countries will need a valid visa waiver to enter the bloc.
Aussies planning a 2023 European summer vacation will have to add an extra item to their packing list: an ETIAS.
From November, all non-EU visitors from about 60 countries including the US, UK and Australia will need a valid European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to enter the bloc if they’re planning to visit Europe for less than 90 days.
Similar to a US ESTA and Australia’s eTA, the online system was announced in 2016 and is designed to strengthen border security and streamline entry into the EU.
While some applications could take up to a month to be processed, about 95 per cent of applications will be approved “within minutes” according to a statement, while those whose applications have been denied are able to appeal the decision.
The visa waiver will cost about $11 for travellers aged 18 to 70 and be valid for three years, during which time visitors can enter Schengen Area countries for up to 90 consecutive days within any 180-day period.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to travel to Europe from next November.
It’s not a visa.
The ETIAS is a visa waiver or travel authorisation for non-European nationals who are exempt from applying for a visa to visit the Schengen Area. Those wanting to work, study, live or spend more than 90 days in Europe need to apply for a visa.
Travellers from non-EU countries who don’t qualify for an ETIAS visa waiver will still need to obtain a Schengen Europe visa.
You need one even if you’re just in transit.
The ETIAS is also required for travellers in transit. Without a valid ETIAS you won’t be allowed to transit through to another country.
You need an ETIAS to visit these countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as non-EU countries Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus.
ETIAS forms will be completed online.
The ETIAS will take about 10 minutes to complete, with visitors required to give the passport details, reasons for travel and answer a number of security questions, however no announcement has been made regarding the start date for applications.
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