European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is a new European travel authorization system, similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the USA. Visa-exempt third-country nationals who wish to enter the Schengen area will be required to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorization, for which a fee will be charged, before starting their journey to the Schengen area. This will cost 7 euros and will generally be valid for 3 years. On October 9, 2018, the EU adopted the Regulation establishing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS Regulation). It represents a further development of the Schengen acquis, which the Principality of Liechtenstein must adopt in principle.
By means of a largely automated risk check of travelers, ETIAS is intended to contribute to increasing internal security, preventing illegal immigration and protecting public health. It also aims to increase the effectiveness of border controls by closing existing information and security gaps through prior risk assessment. The ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee a right of entry and will become a new condition for the entry of visa-exempt third-country nationals into the Schengen area. This means that without a valid ETIAS travel authorization, the person concerned will be refused entry into the Schengen area. Accordingly, carriers must check whether their passengers are in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorization at the start of their journey.The aim of ETIAS is to strike a balance between ensuring the mobility of visa-exempt third-country nationals and increasing security.Official website of the European UnionMore documents
Regulation - In progress