What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a new visa waiver, otherwise known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The purpose behind ETIAS’s creation by European Union was to strengthen and protect its borders, as well as the EU residents and visitors. ETIAS visa waiver program for Europe aims to identify potential threats and risks that could be associated with visitors traveling to any Schengen Area country. You must go through the ETIAS authorization processes to enter a Schengen country.

You are eligible for the visa waiver program if you are a citizen of any country that does not require a travel visa to enter Europe. From 2023, eligible travelers 2023 must apply for an ETIAS travel permit. ETIAS for Europe grants travelers permission to visit 26 Schengen Zone members. This region includes countries that recognize eliminating all internal borders with other members.

Currently, 59 countries will need to apply for ETIAS visa waivers when visiting the Schengen Zone. As per the latest information, ETIAS is expected to be available to even more countries shortly. ETIAS visa waivers are applicable to short-term stays up to 90 days. Tourists and business travelers will need to have an approved ETIAS before traveling to any Schengen member country.

Countries that will need ETIAS for traveling in Europe
There are currently 59 countries on the list of the ETIAS program.

Those nationals with citizenship in one of the 59 countries under the visa-free travel agreement do not need visas to visit Europe. ETIAS intends to pre-screen these travelers. This way, the system will avoid risks associated with terrorism, pandemics, and other criminal activities. Information provided by applicants will be checked across security databases.

There are several purposes for which ETIAS visa waivers will apply. They will be available for short-term and business/ leisure stays. After acquiring it, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires. However, everyone planning to stay in Europe to study or work for longer than 90 days will need to apply for a different visa. ETIAS Europe

The EU established ETIAS to increase security in the Schengen Area. Visa-free travelers will still need to pass a security screening before arriving in the EU.