What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new electronic system for the pre-screening of third-country nationals who do not need a visa for short-term travel (up to 90 days in 180-day period) in the Schengen area. This system will carry out checks on travellers prior to their arrival, with the aim of strengthening security and supporting the management of the external borders of the European Union (EU).
The purpose of ETIAS is to improve border security by carrying out automated checks on potential security, illegal immigration or public health risks before the traveller arrives on the territory of an EU Member State. A valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee entry into the territory of an EU Member State, as travellers are checked by border guards who ascertain that all entry conditions are met.
How does ETIAS work?
- Applying for a travel autorisation – Citizens of visa-exempt countries will have to fill in an online form with general data about themselves, such as name, passport data, contact information, as well as information about their travel. The request will include a section on answers to security-related questions, such as previous crimes or visits to conflict zones;
- Verification of information – As soon as the request is submitted, ETIAS will perform automated checks in various European security and border management systems;
- Results – In most cases, the request will be processed automatically and the reply will be issued within a few minutes. If no risks are detected, the passenger will receive travel approval. If the system identifies potential risks, the application will be reviewed by national authorities, which may approve or refuse the authorisation;
- Validity period – The approved ETIAS authorisation will be valid for 3 years or until the validity of the passport used expires (whichever comes first). During this period, the traveller may make multiple trips within the Schengen area for short stays.
What data is collected and processed in relation to ETIAS?
Applicants will have to provide the following information:
- Personal data (name, date of birth, nationality);
- Travel documents (passport number, date of issue, period of validity);
- Information about the planned trip (e.g. where they plan to stay);
- Answers to questions about criminal acts, visits to conflict zones, and public health.
The ETIAS system has been designed in the light of the strict standards for the protection of personal data established by Regulation (EU) 2016/679. The data will only be used for security, border management and public health protection purposes and access to it will be restricted to authorised authorities. Applicants will have the right to access their data as well as to correct or delete the information if it is inaccurate.
How can you file a complaint?
If your application for an ETIAS travel authorisation is refused or if your ETIAS travel authorisation is revoked or annulled, you will receive an email stating the reasons for the refusal and the authority that took the decision. The email will include information on which European countries you should contact when filing a complaint and describe the relevant procedure. Complaints shall be dealt with in accordance with the national law of those countries.
If your travel authorisation is revoked at your own request, it is not possible to appeal against the decision.
More information on ETIAS can be found on the following page.
Last updated: 30.01.2025
