How Etias works, the new requirement for travel to Europe

16-11-23

Several years after the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was approved, the permit to travel to Europe will finally be implemented. The aim is to speed up the entry of visa-exempt countries into Schengen member states and to reinforce border security. This new measure includes tourists from Latin America, who will have to complete the procedure as of 2024, although so far there has been no notification of the exact date on which the ETIAS permit will become a requirement to enter countries such as Germany, Denmark, Spain and Portugal, among others.

Unlike visas to study or work abroad, this permit can be processed in a matter of days, and the form can be filled out online by providing some personal information and details of the upcoming trip. Once the permit comes into effect, a maximum stay of 90 days in Europe will continue to be allowed and its validity will last for 3 consecutive years from the date of issuance or until the expiration of the passport that was registered.

Requirements

To apply, it is necessary to have a valid passport that is valid for at least 3 months from the date of travel, and provide an email address to send the permit once it is authorized. At the time of application, payment must be completed by credit or debit card, so it is necessary to have 7 euros (approximately 140 Mexican pesos) available for each permit to be processed. The ETIAS permit is mandatory for all citizens of visa-exempt countries outside the European Union.

How to apply for it?

Although the portal has not yet been enabled, the ETIAS permit may be processed online and the process may take between 10 and 20 minutes. Tourists must fill out a form that includes: applicant's full name, current address, passport details and travel details, such as destination and arrival date. A health and safety section must also be completed, with questions about criminal or immigration history. Once the application and payment have been completed, the authorities will evaluate the data and the permit will be sent by e-mail.

It is estimated that the authorization to travel to Europe will be received in a maximum of 72 hours, so the application should be made in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

Countries in which the ETIAS Permit will be mandatory

The countries where the permit will be mandatory to enter are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania. The countries in which the procedure will not be necessary are Ireland and the United Kingdom.