Demystifying ETIAS: Your Top Questions Answered

Travelers planning a European trip in 2024, whether by land, plane, or sea, will have surely heard of the ETIAS permit by now. As questions arise, we dive into what this travel authorization is and all other FAQs in need of answers.

In 2024, American passport holders and those from 60 other visa-exempt countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries. Fortunately, it is a straightforward process consisting of electronic authorization for countries currently visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days and within 180 days). 

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorization emitted via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

While ETIAS is an electronic system linked to the traveler’s passport allowing them to enter and travel within the European Union, it is not to be confused with a Visa. ETIAS applications are filled out online using basic personal information, and details regarding any world conflict zones visited or criminal records. 

This document, however, does not fully guarantee entrance to the EU, as the final decision rests in the hands of border officials at your country of arrival. 

Who should apply for the ETIAS travel authorization?

If you are: 

• A traveler who is not an EU national 
• A traveler with a valid passport coming from a country that as of today does not require a Visa to visit Europe as a tourist
• A traveler who does not hold a valid European citizenship permit issued by any of the countries requiring ETIAS

Then, you must fill out this application – once it is available, providing the information requested and specified below -, which, once approved, will be valid for arrival to Europe by sea, air, or overland on short tourist, business, transit, and medical visits. 

After a thorough, automatic check through numerous databases, the ETIAS acceptance or rejection should be returned within minutes, accompanied by the payment of a €7 fee (Around US$8). Applicants under 18 years old or over 70 are exempted from payment. 

Some travelers may be exempted from the requirement, so check the official website here to ensure all your travel details are in order. 

How can you apply for ETIAS approval?

Applying for ETIAS will require not much more than your passport and an online payment. 

As of 2024, here is the information you will need to submit to process your ETIAS permit: 

• Surname (family name), first name(s), surname at birth, usual name(s), date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, sex, current nationality, first names of the parents of the applicant, home address.
• A machine-readable passport and its information at hand.
• If applicable, information on any other nationalities or citizenships.
• Address of permanent residence.
• Email address and telephone number.
• Member State of intended first entry.
• Education and/or current occupation information.
• ETIAS background and eligibility questions about medical conditions or other infectious or contagious parasitic diseases; criminal history, previous travel to war-zone countries, and any previous immigration or travel history that resulted in the applicant being deported or rejected entry into an EU member country.
• If the applicant is a minor, the identity of the person responsible for the minor.
• If the application is submitted by a person different from the applicant, the identity of the person and company that he or she represents (if applicable).
• For family members to EU citizens/third country nationals benefitting from free movement without residence cards: their status as family members; the identity details of the family member with whom the applicant has ties; their family ties.

Review here the list of ETIAS-eligible countries.

Will my cruise line handle the ETIAS application submission for me?

As to the time of publication, we have not been informed of any cruise line offering this benefit to clients so, until further notice, it should be your responsibility to fill out the application in time for your travel. 

How do I know my permit has been approved?

Once the system is implemented, as an ETIAS applicant you will receive an email confirming your application has been submitted. Keep the application number inside it for future reference, and once the application has been processed, you will receive a second email with the authorization decision. 

How long will it take for ETIAS to approve my application?

Most applications should be processed within minutes of applying, but you should expect to receive a formal decision response within four days. We do recommend applying at least 30 days before your departure date in case your application requires more information, or you are asked to be interviewed for approval. 

Official sources agree that once implemented, travelers should complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date. 

Why is ETIAS being implemented?

ETIAS is not new, but a requirement that has been years in the making, very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization – ESTA – program implemented in the U.S. in 2008.

Much like ESTA, the ETIAS permit reflects increasing measures taken against terrorist threats worldwide. It is intended to screen travelers arriving from overseas to 30 European countries through an online application form – including those who will only be transiting in Europe on the way to other destinations.

These new requirements are being established to help “identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors,” according to the European Commission website.

When will it be implemented?

While the program was approved in 2016, it is expected to go into full effect in 2024 – when exactly? No official dates have been announced yet. ETIAS is not yet in operation and no applications are being collected. 

Once approved, the authorization will allow you to travel through all of the 30 European countries demanding it for 3 years from the date of issue, or until the passport used in your application expires. 

Is there one for each country or all Schengen Area Members?

There will be 30 European countries, including those in the Schengen Area, demanding an ETIAS permit for entry So no, you do not need to apply for one for each country, but instead, the permit will cover all Schengen Area members, plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, and more countries listed here.  

Those with ETIAS approval will be able to travel around the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180 days. 

Make sure to take a look at the official ETIAS website for more information, and keep an eye out for updates from your travel advisor regarding the implementation of this new process.