The ETIAS Application Process

Simple, Seamless, Contactless the ETIAS Application Process

The ETIAS application process will be the first unified pre-travel authorisation system for the Schengen Area, allowing all non-EU citizens to apply for a visa with a simple click. This new system will make it much easier for travellers to visit the Schengen area (there are 26 countries in Europe that have signed the Schengen Agreement), without having to obtain a separate visa. The system comparable to similar systems implemented in the USA (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (ETA).

“Around 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries around the world benefit from visa-free travel to the European Union,”  The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) had pointed out in a press release issued in October 2021. 

Why the ETIAS application process?

In the past two decades, the amount of people travelling internationally has more than doubled.  There has seen considerable change to the legal and technical requirements for crossing international, motivated by the objectives of security, migration management and travel facilitation. 

There are now a multitude of new requirements and considerations that must be made throughout the entire “traveller continuum.” This phrase refers to the series of steps that travellers must follow to successfully complete their journey, starting with the decision to travel and ending with arrival at their destination, making it more important than ever for travellers to be informed and prepared.

In a report introducing the Known Traveller Digital Identity concept, the World Economic Forum

presented an overview of the various steps comprising the traveller journey.  Although the report focused on air travel, it can be extended to other modes of transport as well. Among other things, the report identified that the visa application and screening process was one of the key ‘pain points’.

In 2020, the OECD published a report outlining four areas that need to be taken into account when discussing safe and seamless travel.

The report highlighted the high importance – exceeding 80% – of visa requirements and acquisition, as well as digital traveller identity.

Hence, why and to address these challenges, European Union will be ushering a new era of travel in later 2023 with the introduction of the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) application process. By digitalising the application process, the EU will be able to offer all stakeholders a more seamless traveller journey, while also strengthening the internal security of the Schengen Area in the process.  

The key benefits of the ETIAS application process for authorities is the ability to automatically verify the status of travel documents, check for any refusals of entry in the Schengen Information System (SIS), and identify any over stayers in the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The ETIAS application process was designed with the goal of making travel as simple and hassle-free as possible for the vast majority of travellers. The process is affordable, fast, and does not require any additional steps, such as biometric enrolment. In addition, the ETIAS application process will reduce the risk of travellers being denied entry upon arrival at border crossing points.

To apply for an ETIAS authorisation, travellers can use the dedicated website or mobile application. Both the website and mobile app will be available in all official languages of the EU, and will also provide information in the official languages of visa-exempt third countries. The website and app are designed to be user-friendly and convenient for travellers.

In addition to simplifying the travel process, ETIAS will also remind users when their travel authorisation is approaching expiration, so they can submit a new application in a timely manner. Overall, the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an important step towards the EU’s goal of seamless travel for all.

The good news is that the travel industry has been working hard to create a fully seamless and contactless experience for all travellers, especially when flying. One key way of helping your customers is by incorporating ETIAS technology into your suite of products. But the best part is that these new concepts and technologies aren’t just for air travel – they can be used for all modes of transportation and in various border-crossing situations. This means that more travellers than ever before can enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey. So why wait? Together, we have the potential to make the seamless traveller journey a reality for the largest share of travellers than ever before. (https://simplevisa.com/company/about-us/)