March 9, 2019
By Muhannad Samara, for ACIC Inc.
Strasbourg, 5 July 2018, The European commission, on July 5, 2018 has given its final approval for the implementation of the Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
In 2021, every traveler, who currently enjoys visa free travel to Europe, will be required to pay approximately USD$8 to apply for the ETIAS before they fly out to Europe.
In its press release, the European commission announced the adoption of the ETIAS, which was initially introduced in November 2016. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos and Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King were pleased with the declaration of adoption of this system.
“Europe will now be able to pre-screen security threats and passengers who may be identified as a security risk.” Said Avramopoulos. “There will no longer be an information gap on visa free travelers”.
The ETIAS will cross reference traveler’s data with EU border information systems, security and migration, Schengen Information Systems, Visa Information Systems, Eurodac, Europol and Interpol Databases. If a match was found by the auto system, the local authority will manually check the applicant.
In the case an applicant was perceived as a security risk, they will be required to submit additional documentation. Said documentation will be evaluated by the local authorities and a decision will be issued within 4 weeks. Refused applicants have the right to appeal.
ETIAS Main Structure:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4367_en.htm
