Državljani trećih zemalja koji idućeg ljeta budu putovali u članice Europske unije morat će platiti naknadu u iznosu od sedam eura, piše Guardian, zbog uvođenja Etiasa - Europskog sustava za informacije o putovanjima i odobravanje putovanja.

Naime, Ylva Johansson, povjerenica EU za unutarnje poslove, potvrdila je da će Etias vjerojatno stupiti na snagu do svibnja iduće godine.

Zahtjev za odobrenje putovanja prije ulaska u šengensko područje

Etias je sličan američkoj Esti, a državljani trećih zemalja morat će podnijeti zahtjev za odobrenje putovanja prije ulaska u šengensko područje, koje uključuje 27 država članica EU te Island, Lihtenštajn, Norvešku i Švicarsku. Nakon odobrenja zahtjeva, potvrda će vrijediti tri godine ili do isteka putovnice (ako ona istječe ranije).

Sustav će zahtijevati od putnika da dostave biometrijske podatke, kao što su otisci prstiju i sken lica. Tako EU nastoji otežati ulazak onima koji koriste lažne putovnice. Sustav je, inače, prvotno trebao biti uveden 2022. godine, ali je njegova implementacija odgađana više puta.

Putnici mlađi od 18 i stariji od 70 godina bit će oslobođeni naknade u iznosu od sedam eura, dok oni koji putuju u, primjerice, Irsku ili Cipar neće trebati Etias jer su izvan šengenskog područja.

Većini će zahtjevi biti odobreni u roku nekoliko minuta

Većini će zahtjev biti odobren u roku od nekoliko minuta, ali neke odluke mogu potrajati između 48 i 72 sata.

EU će pokrenuti šestomjesečno "prijelazno razdoblje" nakon uvođenja Etiasa, što znači da će se od onih koji putuju očekivati da podnesu zahtjev, ali neće im automatski biti odbijen ulazak na granici ako ga nemaju, ako ispunjavaju druge uvjete za ulazak.(Hina)

Soon there will be a new requirement for those planning trips to Europe. Starting next year, many non-European citizens, including Americans, will need to apply for and receive approval for a visa waiver—i.e., an ETIAS travel authorization—in order to visit. 

Haven’t heard of an ETIAS travel authorization, or feel unsure about the process for applying for one? Not to worry! You can find all the need-to-know details, below. 

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver program created by the European Union (EU). The program was created with the goal of protecting the Schengen Area—i.e., European countries that have adopted a common visa policy and eliminated the need for passport or border control among them—from visitors arriving from outside the region. By requiring visitors to register, the EU will be able to better identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the area. 

In 2024, all visitors—i.e., tourists and business travelers—who do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024, but no specific date has been set yet. 

What is an ETIAS travel authorization? 

The ETIAS travel authorization is a visa waiver, similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver. All eligible visitors (i.e., those who do not need a visa) will be expected to present an approved ETIAS when traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries.

Approved ETIAS visa waivers will be valid for three years, and will allow people to enter the Schengen Area for periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorization? 

To apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, you must have a valid passport, internet access, and the financial means to pay for the fee. 

An ETIAS travel authorization will cost €7. Travelers will be required to pay for the cost of ETIAS when they complete their online application form. 

In addition to a fee, travelers will be required to provide their personal information, and answer questions about the country they intend to enter and public health risks, disclose any criminal history, as well as provide information as to whether they’ve previously been refused entry or been ordered to leave a member state.

Applications should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and most applicants will receive their authorization in a matter of minutes. 

What countries will I need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter? 

You will need an ETIAS to visit any member country of Europe’s Schengen Area. 

Right now, the list of 30 countries includes Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as the microstates of San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco.

At the time of publication, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Once they’re approved, travelers will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to visit those countries, as well.