- The ETIAS visa waiver for Europe works similarly the ESTA for the USA.
- This article explains how ETIAS and ESTA work, and what their differences are.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is being implemented by the European Union to improve safety and security within the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is a visa waiver programme with similar objectives to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The European ESTA visa waiver, or ETIAS, is designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers who wish to enter the Schengen Area, while the ESTA pre-screens those who travel to the US visa-free.
ETIAS: A NEW TRAVEL TAX?
When ETIAS, the EU version of ESTA, was approved by the European Commission, there were claims that it was a new travel tax for Europe.
However, Europe’s ETIAS proposal was made by the EU in 2016 as part of several new measures to increase security and safety across the Schengen Area. The “EU ESTA” will be a new system put in place for travellers who currently do not require a visa to enter Europe.
The ETIAS visa waiver, the EU’s ESTA, will be available from 2026 .
It will become mandatory for all citizens who do not require a visa to visit the EU. This will include US citizens who will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS for Americans online.
ETIAS VERSUS ESTA
ESTA is for travellers to the US and ETIAS for travellers to the EU. Apart from this basic difference, the systems are similar: both involve a pre-departure registration for visa-exempt visitors.
Both travel authorisation schemes process applications based on their contact and passport information, as well as responses to certain security questions.
The differences between the ESTA and ETIAS have more to do with the conditions of each visa waiver.
Both travel authorisations are multiple-entry travel authorisations but the ETIAS for Europe will be valid for 3 years whereas the ESTA is only valid for 2 years until a renewal is required.
Travellers who wish to get more information on the ETIAS visa waiver can consult these frequently asked questions about ETIAS to find out more.
WHO NEEDS A EUROPEAN ESTA?
The ETIAS visa waiver will allow travellers from ETIAS-eligible countries to visit all Schengen countries with just a single travel authorization.
Just like European business travellers who frequently visit the US on an ESTA, American businesspeople will also be required to obtain an ETIAS to enter Europe for short business trips.
Similarly, ETIAS - Europe’s ESTA - will be a mandatory entry requirement for tourists and those who visit Europe for leisure, or to attend a conference.
Now that the Brexit negotiation is complete and the UK has left the EU, British citizens will need ETIAS to travel to European countries. UK passport holders already require ESTA to go to the United States.
DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR ETIAS, THE EU ESTA
The ETIAS visa waiver application form will be quick and easy to complete once the applicant has the requirements for an ESTA for Europe at hand.
Applicants must have the following ETIAS requirements when filling out their ETIAS request:
- A passport, valid beyond the intended travel dates
- An email address where the applicant can receive updates, as well as the ETIAS
- A credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee
TRAVELLER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY ETIAS AND ESTA
The information gathered by ETIAS and ESTA is cross-checked against multiple international databases.
Data required to apply for an ETIAS (or an ESTA) includes:
- Personal information (name, date and place of birth)
- Passport information (number, country and issue and expiry dates)
- Contact information (email address, mobile phone number)
- Questions about occupation and education
- Questions about previous travel and criminal history
ETIAS AND ESTA ARE OBTAINED ONLINE
Both the ESTA for Europe and the ESTA for the United States are obtained online, via a web form.
Electronic processing of the EU ESTA, and the US ESTA means visits to the embassy or consulate are not required. Processing times for both travel authorisations are shorter than for consular visas.