The EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has published a list debunking the top main myths circulating online regarding the up-coming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), in a bid to fight disinformation.
1. You Will Need an ETIAS to Enter 30 Countries in Europe
According to the list, the number one myth regarding the EU travel authorisation is that the same will be needed by travellers from third countries to travel to the 27 Schengen Area countries, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The Directorate-General points out that, aside from the Schengen countries, the travel authorization will in fact, be needed, for travel to Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus too. These three countries are not part of the Schengen Area, but are EU Member States. The first two are also in the process of joining Schengen.
2. ETIAS Is Not a Visa
The EU has also listed as one of the most common myths the claim that the ETIAS is a visa for the nationals of over 60 countries under the EU’s visa-free regime.
“ETIAS is not a visa. Similar travel authorisations for visa-exempt nationals are required by the US, Canada and Australia,” the list points out.
In fact, the EU is not the first nor the last to start operating such schemes. The United States have been running their Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) for years now, while the United Kingdom will gradually start to operate its own scheme, called the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which in November this year will start applying for Qatari nationals.
The UK ETA will also apply to EU nationals, but the date when is still unknown.
“Unlike when applying for a visa, travellers will be able to apply for ETIAS online, there is no need to go a Consulate to apply, and biometric data will not be collected as part of the application process,” the EU explains.
3. There’s Only One Official ETIAS Website
Next, the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs points out that there is and will be only one official website for ETIAS application, adding that there already exist many unofficial websites run by commercial intermediaries.
However, it still reminds travellers that once the official ETIAS website starts operating in 2024, commercial intermediaries will be allowed to use it to apply on behalf of their clients.
4. ETIAS Will Be Valid for 3 Years & Not 5
In spite of claims that a single ETIAS will be valid for a period of five years, the EU clarifies that in fact, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years, or in case the holder’s passport expires before three years, then on the date of the passport expiration the ETIAS also becomes invalid.
5. It Is Not Possible to Apply for a Schengen Visa If Your ETIAS is Rejected
There have been claims that if a traveller’s ETIAS application is rejected, then the same can apply for a Schengen Visa. This is untrue, and the EU explains that those who have their application rejected have the right to appeal, but not to apply for a short-term visa.
“It is not possible for visa-exempt travellers to apply for a visa if their ETIAS is refused. A visa and an ETIAS are different types of authorisations, intended for different categories of travellers,” the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs clarifies.
The same notes that travellers can still reapply as a previous refusal will not lead to the automatic refusal of a new application.
6. All Travellers Will Need an ETIAS, No Exceptions
No age will be exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETIAS, the EU says, thus debunking the myth that only people between the ages of 18-70 will need to apply for an ETIAS.
Yet, it still notes that travellers under the age of 18 and those 70 years and older will be exempt from paying the €7 application fee.
7. No Medical History Will Be Required for Application
And finally, the last myth that the EU debunks is the one that applicants need to provide their medical information.
This is not true, as no medical information will be required when applying for an ETIAS. The application, will however ask questions on personal information, including address, passport details, current occupation, and information about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions.
Source SchengenVisaInfo.com