The rules for entering Europe will change in 2025. All passengers from countries that currently do not require a visa for their trip must process the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).
This is a new entry requirement to the member countries of the Schengen area, in addition to Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia.
“From mid-2025, about 1.4 billion of people over 60 countries who are exempt from traveling with a visa must process a travel authorization to enter most European countries,” it is explained on the official website.
The program was proposed in 2016 and seeks to improve security at the borders.
1) What is ETIAS
It is a permit that must be processed before traveling, online.
A visa differenceWith the ETIAS there is no need to go to a consulate to request a travel document, there is no biometric data and less information is collected than during a visa application procedure.
It is similar to the ESTA, the travel permit that those who have a European passport must apply to travel to the United States.
Important: For now there is nothing to process and you can travel to Europe as usual.
2) Who must process the ETIAS to enter Europe
This new permit applies to travelers from more than 60 countries that currently do not need a visa to enter Europe.
The application of the ETIAS has been postponed.Los Argentines We enter the group of travelers who must process the ETIAS.
3) How the ETIAS permit works
The passenger must complete an online ETIAS application form. The system will perform verifications corresponding.
Once I know verify that everything is in order, a travel authorization is issued.
4) When the ETIAS is processed
This permit must be processed before starting the trip and will be mandatory for entry to any of the Schengen countries.
The permit will be requested by all countries in the Schengen area. The suggestion is to process it before planning the trip and making reservations.
“Most applications will be processed within minutes and, at most, within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or participate in an interview with national authorities, which It may take up to 30 additional days,” they explain on the official site.
5) How long does it take to complete the process to obtain the ETIAS
Completing the online application takes time less than ten minutes. It does not require any special documentation, beyond having a valid passport on hand.
6) How valid is the ETIAS?
The travel authorization will be valid for three yearsor until the expiration date of the travel document (passport).
7) How much does the ETIAS travel permit cost?
The value currently being talked about is 7 euros for each request. Children under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from payment.
Payment will be made electronically.
Attention: for now the ETIAS does not have to be processed to enter Europe, so you have to be careful with scams. The only one official page It is the one that corresponds to the European Union.