The European Commission has announced that the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed once again. The system, which was initially supposed to start in 2021, was first pushed back to November 2023, and now it won't be in effect until at least 2024.
But before that!
What is ETIAS and how does it effect travelling to Europe?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new system that the European Union is implementing to strengthen their external borders and improve security. It is an online system that will require travellers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe, including India, to obtain authorization before their trip.
This means that Indian travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before travelling to Europe. The process is relatively simple, and it involves filling out an online application form with personal and travel information.
Once the application is approved, the traveller will receive an ETIAS authorization that will be valid for three years or until the expiry of their travel document, whichever comes first. The ETIAS authorization will allow Indian travellers to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The latest update on ETIAS
The good news is that you won't have to worry about paying the fee to enter Europe until the start of 2024. The ETIAS fee of EUR 7 (INR 611) will be required for foreign visitors between the ages of 18 and 70, and it will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of your travel document. If you're planning to visit any countries in the Schengen area, you'll need to apply for the authorisation through an official website or app before your trip.
The delay in implementing the ETIAS system may come as a relief to some travelers, especially those who are still navigating the challenges of traveling during a pandemic. However, it's worth noting that 28 European countries plan on rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES) next year. This system will replace passport stamps with a high-tech scanning process that relies on biometric data like face and fingerprint scans, and it will work in conjunction with ETIAS data.
It's interesting to note that the ETIAS fee is similar to the United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver, which will require all non-visa foreign visitors, including those from the United States, to apply online in advance of coming. The UK plans to launch this authorisation later this year, as part of its effort to fully digitise its borders by 2025. Similarly, visitors to the US must apply for a similar authorisation called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip.
While we don't know why the ETIAS implementation has been delayed, it's good to be aware of these changes so we can plan our travels accordingly. As always, stay informed, stay safe, and happy travels!
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