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The European Union and external border management

These European initiatives are part of a series of measures to improve the external border management of Schengen Area Member States.

These future automated systems aim to make Schengen Area external border checks more effective and reliable by enabling Member States and EU agencies to better share information to combat cross-border crime and terrorism and enable more effective border management, while strictly observing the fundamental rights and European legislation on personal data protection.

The EES (Entry Exit System): a new automated data registration system for nationals of non-EU countries travelling to the Schengen Area

ETIAS is a travel authorization, and not a visa, put in place by the European Commission. It will be required by the 30 Member States of the enlarged Schengen Area. It is due to be introduced by 2025. It is a fully automated system, similar to ESTA in the United States, which aims to enhance controls on relevant travellers within the European Union, in order to detect potential threats.

Who is it aimed at?

ETIAS is aimed at citizens from some 60 non-EU countries who were previously exempt from short-stay visas when entering the enlarged Schengen Area.

ETIAS authorises travel for a maximum period of 90 days. It must be requested by relevant third-country nationals before travelling to Europe and will be valid for multiple entries for 3 years, or until the travel document registered at the time of the application expires.

ETIAS applications must be made online by completing a simple form. The travel authorisation is usually issued within 96 hours of the date of the application and payment of a €7 fee. This processing period may be extended if further inquiries are needed.

It should be noted, however, that no fee will be charged to nationals of those third countries aged under 18 and over 70, nor to family members of European citizens or third-country nationals who have the right to move freely within the European Union.

See the list of countries here

Certain specific cases will apply

Further information on the ETIAS system

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): a new prerequisite for travellers exempt from short-stay visas to enter EU territory

ETIAS is a travel authorization, and not a visa, put in place by the European Commission. It will be required by the 30 Member States of the enlarged Schengen Area. It is due to be introduced by 2025. It is a fully automated system, similar to ESTA in the United States, which aims to enhance controls on relevant travellers within the European Union, in order to detect potential threats.

Who is it aimed at?

ETIAS is aimed at citizens from some 60 non-EU countries who were previously exempt from short-stay visas when entering the enlarged Schengen Area.

ETIAS authorises travel for a maximum period of 90 days. It must be requested by relevant third-country nationals before travelling to Europe and will be valid for multiple entries for 3 years, or until the travel document registered at the time of the application expires.

ETIAS applications must be made online by completing a simple form. The travel authorisation is usually issued within 96 hours of the date of the application and payment of a €7 fee. This processing period may be extended if further inquiries are needed.

It should be noted, however, that no fee will be charged to nationals of those third countries aged under 18 and over 70, nor to family members of European citizens or third-country nationals who have the right to move freely within the European Union.

See the list of countries here

Certain specific cases will apply

Further information on the ETIAS system