Europe: ETIAS launch imminent

While many countries and regions of the world require a certain number of travel formalities to gain access to their territory, Europe has only been thinking for a few years about imposing a travel document for visitors to the Schengen area.

Reminder: what is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is an area of free movement of people. This principle implies the free crossing of borders by any individual entering the territory. one of the member states of the Schengen area.

In 2021, the Schengen area will comprise 26 States :

• 22 of the 27 members of the European Union (EU). Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia have not yet joined. Ireland, for its part, enjoys a special status and participates in only part of the Schengen arrangements;
• 4 associated statesnon-EU countries: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Flights between cities in the Schengen area are considered as domestic flights.

ETIAS, for greater security...

Initially, ETIAS will enhance security at the borders of European countries, and provide a more accurate picture of arrivals and departures within the Schengen area. A detailed security check will be carried out on each applicant to determine whether he or she can be authorized to enter a Schengen country. This will ensure that they do not represent a threat to territorial security.

... and to streamline the passenger journey

The aim of this type of document is also to strike the right balance between managing the flow of travellers and simplifying procedures for travellers. For Europe, ETIAS will also make it possible to analyze the types of visitors attracted to Schengen countries, to understand who they are and why they travel, and to adapt infrastructures accordingly.

At present, citizens of some sixty countries from outside the EU can enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days.. These travelers may be going there for business or tourism purposes, as well as for medical or transit reasons. It is for these nationalities that ETIAS will be mandatory.

The Visamundi team is looking forward to the official launch of ETIAS, scheduled for 2023, and will be delighted to support you in your endeavors!

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