Do I need Etias to enter Italy as a visitor? If there was no need for a visa, do I need the new ETIAS now before I can visit Italy? Due to the new announcement of the ETIAS visa waiver program by the European Union, there is a lot of confusion in the travel industry as many are still coming to terms with the new policy and how it may affect them.
The new policy will be mandatory in 2024 when it takes effect, so some sections of the traveling population will be affected.
Do I Need ETIAS To Enter Italy?
If you need Etias to enter, Italy will be down to your nationality for a good reason. Some travelers require visas to enter Italy while others do not; if you qualify for visa-free entry before the new policy becomes mandatory, you will need to get ETIAS for a future entry, but if you require visas to enter Italy, this new policy is not for you since you will still need to obtain a Schengen visa same as before.
There are more than 50 countries on the planet whose citizens can visit any Schengen country without a visa. Some of these visa exempt countries include The US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, and others. As long as you possess a valid passport from any eligible country, you will continue to enjoy visa-free travels, but holding Etias will become necessary.
Is ETIAS A Visa?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is not a visa but can best be described as a visa waiver. Once a traveler completes the application form and submits it, the system will scan it using stored information from security databases which takes only a few minutes to complete. Once the process is complete, the approval will be forwarded to the applicant's email immediately, which must be printed out and traveled to Italy.
The grand plan is to make Europe safer for all visitors and residents by providing a system that vets the identity of travelers and prevents criminals from entering the continent.
Italy Travel Information
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for many reasons. Its capital, Rome, used to be a world power in centuries past, and it plays a key role in European affairs and continues to do so. Italy is also the fourth most populated country on the continent, with more than 61 million people.
The south borders the Mediterranean Sea, which overlooks North Africa, while to the North and west, it borders several European States. Italy has a truly fascinating history and dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for tourists to visit to learn a thing or two about the country.
The cuisine is first class, and the landscapes are some of the most stunning on the continent. As many as 50 million people visit annually, most of them for tourism, and they enjoy the sights and sounds of multiple cities like Florence, which is renowned for its art and philosophy.
Milan and Naples are popular tourist destinations in the south and Turin in the North. Rome is a citadel of learning and culture, and it is also the seat of government. Though an independent state of the papacy, the Vatican attracts millions of pilgrims yearly.
In all, these locations combine to make Italy a truly fascinating country with so much to enjoy as a tourist. Being the birthplace of the Renaissance and the Roman empire, several international museums contain masterpieces by Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and many more. For those looking for quiet spaces to enjoy a calm holiday, island towns like Tuscany, Sardinia, or Sicily will provide them with such delights.
How Long Can You Stay In Italy With ETIAS?
You can stay in Italy with ETIAS for up to 90 days, but it mustn't be haphazardly but within a 180-day period. ETIAS remains valid for three years, so you don't have to apply for a new one each time you want to visit Europe for a short visit. If you wish to stay for longer, we recommend a Schengen visa instead.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
You don't have to visit the Italian embassy in your home country when you can submit an online application. ETIAS is 100% online, and the form can be completed in a few minutes on VisaHQ. To complete the application form, do the following:
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Italy as your first destination
Choose your country of origin
Select ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Attach your documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
The ETIAS waiver will be forwarded to your email once approved.
Do I need Etias to enter Italy? As explained above, you do if you come from a visa free country. The application form is available on VisaHQ.