There are 61 countries which are not in the EU, but are VISA “free”. This VISA is called ETIAS.
Citizens of these countries can go into the countries of the Schengen Area for business or tourist purposes of up to 90 days, but you are not allowed to work or study.
The EU is working to increase the security and reduce the bureaucracy, and one of the answers has been the VISA ETIAS.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS means European Travel Information and Authorisation System, it’s quite similar to ESTA, the one used in the EE.UU. The EU has been working on it since 2016. It will most likely be ready in 2021.
This travel authorization system will collect, track and update the necessary data related to visitors in order to determine if it is safe to enter the Schengen countries.
Why is ETIAS better?
According to Jean-Claude Juncker (European Commission President) “We must know who crosses our borders. This way, we will know who travels to Europe, even before they arrive. “
ETIAS will verify if a person is a risk for the security of the Schengen countries. This will deny access to the person and avoid any potential problems within the borders of the EU.
Which is the objective of the ETIAS VISA?
- Reduce procedures and waiting periods
- Improve the management of the borders of the EU countries
- Help in the detection and reduction of crimes and terrorism
- Prevent irregular migration
- It will complement the visa liberalization policy of the EU
How much does the ETIAS cost?
Technically, the price will be 7€ for people under the legal age and free for the rest, it can be paid by credit card and it will be valid for 3 years.
Will proof of incomes/savings be required?
No. The documentation and information required will be:
- Passport
- Full address
- Email address and telephone number
- First country of visit
- Criminal report
- Authorisation if travelling with a person under the legal age
It will be an online application and it won’t take more than 10 minutes.
Which countries will need a ETIAS VISA?
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao
- Macedonia del Norte
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment down below.
Taxes in Spain Online 
So, like ESTA, ETIAS is a de facto visa. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…
I’ve longed argued that our American ESTA is a de facto visa under our so-called Visa Waiver Program. And, it hasn’t done one thing to “improve security” against enemies foreign and domestic, if that’s the rationale of this similar EU program.
Well, guess I better travel to the Schengen area one last time before I have to apply to visit. Once this is up and running, I’m certain I’ll avoid the Schengen in favor of more reasonable places to visit that aren’t the targets of whatever threats must be secured.
And to think I was was seriously becoming a Spanish resident/citizen. Hmmmm.