ETIAS Visa Waiver
Travel has come back with a bang! Since the pandemic hit, I think we all forgot about the visa that was to be implemented in 2022 for Americans to visit Europe. So I thought this week’s blog would be on this topic. ETIAS visa waiver stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System.
When?
As of November 2023, we will need to apply for a visa waiver to enter Schengen zones. “The countries that make up this specific region acknowledge the abolishment of internal borders with other member countries.” quoted from the website describing the Schengen Zone. More than 50 countries do not need a visa to enter, but will need the visa waiver. This visa waiver was designed for short stays of 90 days or less. As of the date, business and tourism travel will be expected to have this approved ETIAS when traveling to Schengen countries. ETIAS is NOT a visa *but a visa waiver*
How?
So how do we obtain this visa waiver? This will be a simple, short process. You will fill out a form on the website and usually approval will be granted very quickly for this. You need this visa waiver even if only transiting through these countries.
What are the requirements needed for the visa waiver? You need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity after the return date. Debit or credit card for the application fee. This visa waiver will be valid for 3 years from date of issue. You will need a current email for the visa waiver to be emailed to.
All applicants will be expected to provide the following information:
- First name(s)
- Surname or family name
- Maiden name (if applicable)
- Usual name(s)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Country of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
PASSPORT INFORMATION
- Passport number
- Issuance and expiration date
- Additional passport data (if applicable)
CONTACT DETAILS
- Current address
- Email address
- Phone number
Additional info to be offered by the applicant:
- Member state of intended first entry
- Education and current employment details
Family members of EU citizens or third country nationals benefiting from free movement without residence cards will be asked the following:
- Please provide the identity and details of the familial relationship between the applicant and the EU citizen or third country national.
All of this information was taken from the ETIAS Visa Waiver website, which is linked above for further information, please visit that page. Be sure to have your travel advisor help you plan your next trip, and they will be sure to remind you of this once it becomes “required”. Where are you hoping to go to next? Click the button below to start the conversation.
