Important Updates to the Schengen Visa for 2023: New Travel Authorisation for EU Visitors
A New Travel Authorisation for EU Visitors! Set to begin November 2023, a new Travel Authorization requirement has been implemented for tourists visiting the Schengen member countries called ETIAS.
ETIAS is stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
It’s coming in 2023.
Why?
“Starting in 2023, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. However, the EU is wanting to strengthen its border security as well as digitally screen and track travellers entering and leaving EU countries.” (Source: https://etias.com/)
ETIAS Objectives
- Border efficiency
- Transparency
- Immigration
- Security
- Funding
- Convenience
What happens?
- Travelers must complete an online authorization request within 96 hours of travel for approval.
- The cost is 7 EUR per traveler, and for individuals under the age of 18 or over 70 will not be charged a fee.
- A total of 59 countries that previously could visit the Schengen zone visa free will be affected including the USA, Canada, U.K, and Australia.
What countries are in the Schengen Area?
There are three different country categories, or groupings, of the European Schengen area. The 26 Schengen countries are essentially the same as the 27 countries in the European Union itself, but there are few that are in Schengen and not in the E.U. and vice versa. The Schengen countries have uniform immigration rules and freedom of movement for each other’s nationals.
But no worries!
Contact us for more information!
Planning to visit Italy this year?
Get inspired here: https://www.fantasticaitalia.com/en_US/