Europe is poised to join the many other regions of the world where electronic visa waiver systems are already in place. The European Commission will soon implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS. There is already a significant amount of information about how it will work and the many advantages that the ETIAS visa waiver will provide to the European Union.
HOW ETIAS WILL WORK AND SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL ETIAS ADVANTAGES
The ETIAS system will be very similar to the ESTA programme currently in place in the United States. Not all travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS authorisation, as the programme is only available for citizens from visa-exempt countries.
Travellers from eligible countries will be asked to provide information on the ETIAS application relating to their identity and travel plans. Among other information, travellers will be asked to provide:
- Personal details (name, surname, address, etc.)
- Valid passport/travel document
- Place and date of birth
- Parents’ information
Moreover, prospective travellers will also be asked to provide security information. This may include questions related to:
- Public health risks, criminal records
- Previous refusal of entries
- Employment history
- Past European travel information
Once the application is complete, most travellers will receive their authorisation within minutes, though some people will have to wait as long as 2 weeks to receive a decision. The ETIAS authorisation will then be sent to the traveller and it will be valid for 3 years.
ETIAS VISA WAIVER BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES
The advantages of implementing an electronic visa waiver system, a system already in place in many places around the world, are numerous. Plus, ETIAS benefits are not only good for the governmental agencies, but they also are advantages for travellers.
Some of the principal ETIAS advantages that are most evident are:
STREAMLINED BORDER CROSSING
With a more streamlined border crossing, travellers will be able to pass immigration control faster. Pre-screening passengers means the required checks will have been carried out before border control.
IMPROVED SAFETY
Because ETIAS coordinates with major security databases - for example, SIS, VIS, EUROPOL and Interpol - the fight against terrorism and criminal activities will be improved, as dangerous individuals will be flagged.
PREVENT ILLEGAL MIGRATION
As an ETIAS travel authorisation will be necessary in order to enter the EU, illegal migration to Europe will be more difficult and will be greatly curtailed.
BETTER BORDER MANAGEMENT
An up-to-date border system that coordinates with other major systems around the world will allow officials to manage borders more efficiently, allowing them to focus on security issues.
Electronic travel authorisation systems around the world have improved security and encouraged tourism wherever they have been implemented. European authorities hope that the same success can be repeated.