The European Parliament has approved the final agreement to implement ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) which will primarily affect visa-free visitors to the Schengen area (e.g. tourist or business travelers from US, Canada, Japan, etc.). It is estimated that the new scheme will become operational in 2021. The aim of ETIAS is to strengthen security in the region and to streamline the process of issuing travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area.
Once ETIAS becomes operational, travelers going to the Schengen Area will need to enroll with ETIAS by completing an online form. The information they provide will be cross-checked against several security databases. ETIAS will pre-screen visa-free visitors for potential security problems.
The next step towards the implementation of ETIAS will be for the Council to give official approval. The President of the European Parliament and the rotating Presidency of the Council shall sign the texts into law.
After the implementation of ETIAS, all non-EU citizens will need to enroll with ETIAS before traveling to any of the 26 Schengen countries. The application process will take a matter of minutes and, if approved, the ETIAS travel authorization will be send to the applicant electronically. Travelers will then be able to enter any of the Schengen countries by presenting their ETIAS document along with their passport.
The article is part of dReport – September 2018, Tax news; Grants and investment Incentives.
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