Just as we were ending Covid card carrying… Here is news from The Women’s Travel Group about our European trips next year. Starting in 2024, travelers who currently do not need a visa for the EU will require a new document called ETIAS. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for the EU. (There are exceptional unusual circumstances for a denial like criminal record). Visitors are limited to 3 month stays for tourism, business and transit purposes. Work and study visas are not included in the new ETIAS application. The form will be inspected before you get on your plane, ship or
.
ETIAS was created to improve the security of the Schengen area. Schengen is composed of most of the EU minus Ireland. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and United Kingdom. Here is a list of Schengen countries.
With the new document, visitors are limited to 3 month stays for tourism, business or transit purposes. The new ‘visa’ will begin in 2024. Month and date not yet announced. There are emergency steps if you need the document in a rush.
So far the steps seem easy. Don’t we always say that.
- Before your travels, fill in an application. Besides the usual passport information, there might be background and health questions. DO NOT FILL IN ANYTHING ON LINE NOW AS THE APPLICATION IS NOT READY YET. Scammers are out there cheating people.
- A fee with a debit or credit card 7 Euros or about $9. Under 18 and over 70 years of age? No fee.
- ETIAS is issued for three years or the date of applicant’s passport expiry, whichever is sooner.
Usually, 95% of applications are decided within minutes. Processing can take up to 96 hours if additional checks required. However, if additional documentation is required, processing can potentially take up to four weeks. If an ETIAS application is denied, the applicant receives a reason for refusal as well as information on the country or authority refusing the ETIAS. Refusals can be appealed.
Some items to think about. If you are applying for someone else or using a service, there are other requirements. Make sure the person applying for you, inserts your email address not theirs.
Here is the official ETIAS site. Again the system is still being constructed, do not fill out any application now. Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group. Contact us here: https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/contact/
