The new entry regulations that will soon come into force for the ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System) may affect foreign residents in European countries. The ETIAS system is expected to take effect by 2026 and citizens of more than 50 countries will be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation for Europe.
Read more to find out about the new visa policy regulations and how ETIAS will affect foreign citizens who reside in European countries.
NEW TRAVEL AUTHORISATION REGULATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (ETIAS)
When the visa waiver comes into place in 2026 , there will be certain rules that must be followed in order to follow the new ETIAS regulation. Not all citizens around the world will be affected by ETIAS, although there are currently more than 50 countries that will need to apply for an ETIAS before entering the Schengen zone.
The new regulations will include a travel authorisation for those who do not require a visa to visit Europe. Travellers to Europe will have to apply for an ETIAS prior to visiting Europe.
The new ETIAS system will only apply to those who do not need a visa to travel to any Schengen country. In order to travel within the Schengen zone, there are many who require a Schengen visa. Those who require a visa will not need to apply for ETIAS prior to travelling to Europe.
Although it is estimated that a total of approximately 30 million people will require an ETIAS per year, foreign nationals who live in the Schengen zone may not be required to apply depending on the circumstances.
Currently, there are over 50 countries that are permitted visa-free travel within the European Union. This will not change with the introduction of ETIAS, ETIAS is a visa waiver, not a visa.
FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
If you live in an EU member state country, ETIAS may or may not affect you depending on your nationality. Residents in Europe will not be affected by ETIAS in their resident country. However, if they intend to travel to Europe, it may be necessary to obtain an ETIAS.
At present, those who are residents of a European country will not require an ETIAS in order to carry on living in the respective European country. Residence in a Schengen country does not qualify for the ETIAS, as it is strictly for travel purposes. However, there may be further regulations for those who wish to leave their residence country and visit another Schengen country.
If you are a foreign national who requires a Schengen visa in order to visit other European countries, it is likely that you will still have to apply for a Schengen visa. Those who require a visa in order to visit other Schengen countries will not require an ETIAS.
On the contrary, residents in European countries who do not need a visa to visit other EU member state countries may have to apply for an ETIAS in order to be able to travel to other European countries.
This information is subject to the nationality of the EU resident, as well as the European country of residence and the national visa regulations that will take effect once ETIAS is official.
