What is Etias Spain? It is a new security system set to launch in November 2023 for citizens of eligible countries traveling to any of the Schengen countries in Europe. The online application form will collate the personal details of all applicants and screen them against security databases in a matter of minutes. Once the system becomes operational, the permit will be linked to the applicant's traveler's passport. This page contains basic information about the electronic travel information and authorization system.
Spain In The Schengen Zone
Spain is one of the most populated countries in Europe, with a total population of 46 million people as per the last census done in the country. It is the second largest country on the continent and is located in Western Europe. Although Spanish is the country's primary language, there are other regional languages, such as Galician, Basque, and Catalan, which are the local lingua in the northern region of Catalonia.
Spain is one of the founding members of the European Union and has long been a Schengen State with an open border policy that allows for the free entry and exit of European citizens and nationals from visa-exempt countries. Tourism is the Spanish government's primary revenue earner, with as many as 50 million visitors coming into the country each year for short visits.
Due to the occupation of the area by different tribes and civilizations, including the Mormons, there is fascinating architecture scattered all over the country. The only European country that attracts more visitors in France.
What Is ETIAS Spain?
ETIAS is an online application system that checks a visitor's potential to pose security risks to Spain or any other Schengen nation. The electronic system checks an applicant's details against security databases like Eurocop, Interpol, SLS, and others. The idea for ETIAS was unveiled in 2016 and has been in developmental stages ever since. Towards the end of 2022, the European Commission finally announced that ETIAS would become active by November 2023. Once it becomes operational, citizens from visa-free countries must get the ETIAS authorization before boarding a flight to Spain.
When filling out the form online, applicants will be expected to provide their full name, address, passport details, passport date of issue and expiry, date of birth, and other security information.
It Is vital to note that this permit is not a visa but merely a security clearance to evaluate whether a potential visitor coming to Spain is a security threat or not.
How Long Will ETIAS Be Valid For?
Once ETIAS is issued, it will be valid for up to three years and will allow the holder to visit Spain and stay for up to 90 days. The authorization also will enable them to visit any country of their choice within the area. In all, there are about 27 Schengen countries that make up the union.
Who Needs ETIAS Spain?
This security authorization is not for every visitor coming to Spain but only for selected visitors from visa-free countries. There are currently 63 countries on the Schengen list whose citizens can visit Spain without holding a visa. If you are from any of the eligible countries, you will need to apply for an ETIAS come November, but for now, you can still visit the Schengen zone with only your valid passport, just as before.
If you are not from a visa-free country, the Schengen visa remains available to you.
ETIAS Requirements
When applying for ETIAS, you must provide a valid passport with a minimum of three months' validity from the date you plan to leave the country. The passport must not be older than ten years and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. The ETIAS will be linked biometrically to your passport and can be checked electronically at border stations and airports all over the Schengen zone.
You will also be asked to provide personal information such as your name, the country you plan to visit, and other basic information. Please do well to provide accurate information so your application will not be canceled or trigger a security alert.
How To Apply For ETIAS?
ETIAS applications will be done online, and you can use a trusted platform like VisaHQ to submit your information for evaluation. Once you are sure that you are eligible for this permit, do the following
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Spain as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Select ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Pay the visa fee
Submit for processing
It takes only a few minutes for your information to be screened and your authorization granted, and the permit will also be mailed to your email address. If there is a security alert, your details will be passed onto a manual processing team, and it may take a week or two for your case to be reviewed.
Now that you know what is Etias Spain, why not visit the VisaHQ application page to apply for your now? It is fast and easy.