What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?

About European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS):

• It is a proposed digital travel authorization system for visa-exempt visitors to the EU and its Schengen Area.
• ETIAS is not a visa and is more accurately referred to as a visa waiver.
• It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. 
• It will gather, keep track of, and update necessary information regarding visitors to determine whether it is safe for them to enter Schengen countries.
• The ETIAS will undergo a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether they can be allowed to enter any Schengen Zone country.
• The ETIAS, besides being used for business and tourist purposes, will also allow people to visit the Schengen countries for medical and transit reasons.
• It will be mandatory for all countries that are Schengen visa-free.

What is the Schengen Area?

• The Schengen Area, or Schengen Countries Zone, is a group of 27 European nations that have abolished border controls between each other. 
• Most European Union (EU) countries are signatories to the Schengen Agreement, although some non-Schengen countries, like Bulgaria and Romania, are signed up but not yet active members.
• Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are not in the EU but are inside of the Schengen Area.

 

---

Q1) What is the European Union (EU)?

European Union (EU), international organization comprising 27 European countries and governing common economic, social, and security policies. Originally confined to western Europe, the EU undertook a robust expansion into central and eastern Europe in the early 21st century.

Source: ETIAS to soon become compulsory for Europe travel, here’s how it will impact you