Starting from November 2023, every visitor coming to Schengen Europe from any visa-free country will need European Travel Information and Authorization System approval before they will be allowed into the region. Visitors without this approval will not be allowed through the border post or airport. Although the rules for obtaining this permit are the same for all age brackets, there are some exceptions for ETIAS for over 70s. Read on to learn more about the exceptions for applicants who are over 70 years of age and other important details.
ETIAS In Europe
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is set to go into active service for pre-screening visitors who initially do not a need Schengen visa to enter Europe. This system has been created by the European Union to protect member states from terrorists and criminal elements that may want to compromise the continent's security.
The authorisation system was announced by the European Commission in 2016 and approved by the European Parliament in 2018. ETIAS as it will be called, is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization already in force by the United States government. The visitors with this permit will be Lowes to visit all 27 Schengen member states, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, which are not yet Schengen nations.
Set to Launch in November 2023, the system will be mandatory for travelers that already enjoy a visa-free status in the Schengen zone. However, there are rules to bear in mind; ETIAS is not for those with plans to spend a long time in Europe but only for short visits that will not exceed 90 days.
The European Commission has announced that there will be a transition period starting from May 2023 so the system can be tested; during this period, visitors can enter Europe with or without ETIAS but come November, it will become mandatory to get it.
ETIAS For Over 70s
Visitors over 70 years can visit the Schengen area after obtaining ETIAS approval, just like younger travelers, but the EC has scrapped the application fee. While people who are 70 years and below will pay €7 for ETIAS, there will be no fee for those over the age of 70 years. This same waiver is extended to travelers under the age of 18 years old as they will not be made to pay the application fee.
Purpose of The European Travel Information and Authorization System
The European Union created ETIAS for the following reasons
Improve Internal Security: The system was introduced to boost the internal security of the Schengen area. Due to the incessant terrorist attacks and cyber fraud that has taken several countries in the world by storm, ETIAS will be used to vet every individual coming into the Schengen Area. Those found wanting or with criminal links will be denied entry.
Limit Illegal Immigration: Many European countries are currently grappling with Illegal immigration, especially with the teeming influx of migrants coming through the South of Europe. The System will be used to track those who have violated immigration laws or may do so if given a pass to enter the Area.
Limit Public Health Risk: There is a health section on the application form where the applicant will be asked if they have any serious health condition or if they have visited any epidemic or pandemic-infected Area. By keeping track of the itinerary of visitors, Schengen countries will be able to limit the spread of viruses among their populations.
Where Can I Travel To With ETIAS?
Those with ETIAS will be able to travel to any country in the Schengen Area, just like before this permit was introduced. They will be able to travel to all 27 countries in the zone, including other non-Schengen countries and micro States like Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican. However, they will not be able to travel to the Republic of Ireland without a visa.
Basic ETIAS Information
You will be asked to provide the following information
Full name
Parent's first names
Date of birth
Place of birth
Gender
Passport Information
Valid email address
Phone number
Education and work history
Health information
Criminal Records of any
Security information
These questions must be answered sincerely and accurately. False information may trigger a security alert, and your application may be rejected.
In addition to the above, the applicant must travel with a valid passport. Only passports with at least three months validity along with the Etias system approval will be accepted for entry into the European Union.
ETIAS for over 70s do not have to pay the €7 application fee for processing, but they must be honest with their information so their request for ETIAS approval will be rejected.