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The importance of the ETIAS watch list for entry into the Schengen area
English

It is expected that there will be two entry permits for the Schengen area from the end of 2022. The Schengen visa is still intended for travellers from countries that are not allowed to fill in an ETIAS application. In addition, a visa is still required for travellers who study, work or do other business within the Schengen area. Only those who cross the borders as tourists or business travellers can do so with an ETIAS application. 

Apply for ETIAS without Internet
English

In future, travellers to the Schengen area will have to submit an ETIAS application. It is not necessary to visit a consulate or any other authority. The application is available online and can also only be filled in via the Internet. However, not everyone has an Internet connection and/or the necessary knowledge to complete the application successfully. The following article deals with the question of how these people will travel to the Schengen area in the future.

A look behind the scenes of ETIAS
English

In future, travellers to the Schengen area will only have to invest a few minutes to obtain their travel authorisation. What many people do not know, however, is that during the short time it takes for the application to be approved, a complex machine is started up. This article will shed some light on that.

 The ETIAS information system is responsible for smooth communication

How ETIAS helps in the fight against terrorism
English

In recent years, there have been repeated and devastating terrorist attacks. The assassins did not always come from countries for which a visa is required for entry. Sometimes they also entered the Schengen area legally with a passport or identity card over the external borders.  The USA reacted to this threat several years ago and introduced the ESTA system. Now Europe is following suit and, from the end of 2022, will require an ETIAS application for all travellers who can currently enter the Schengen area without a visa.

What to consider when filling in the ETIAS application
English

Travellers who have already visited the USA should find the procedure familiar. After all, filling out an application form is also a prerequisite for entry to the United States. Of course, it is not yet certain which questions exactly appear in the application. Since ETIAS is expected to be introduced at the end of 2022, many things may still change. Here for the time being, what is known so far or can be assumed as likely.

 Fill out the application online

The importance of FRONTEX for ETIAS
English

Frontex is the European Agency for Border and Coast Guard. The name is derived from the French frontières extéruers. Founded in 2004, the agency is based in Warsaw. Its main task is to control the external borders of the EU. It works in close cooperation with the member states of the Union. Because of the introduction of ETIAS, the EU wants to increase the number of staff from the current 1200 to 10 000 by 2027.

 The importance of FRONTEX for the Schengen area

Is ETIAS the new Schengen visa?
English

Again and again the question arises whether the Schengen visa will disappear with the introduction of ETIAS. This is not the case. ETIAS and Schengen visa are aimed at different target groups and will both coexist. Anyone who has needed a visa to travel to the Schengen area in the past will probably need one in the future. Travellers who were previously able to enter the Schengen area without a visa must fill in an ETIAS application.

 Who needs a Schengen visa, who needs an ETIAS application

The validity of the ETIAS authorisation
English

ETIAS is not only easy to apply for, it is also valid for a relatively long time. With a valid ETIAS application, entry into the Schengen area is possible for up to three years. However, this does not apply in every case. In the following article, the reader will find out on which factors validity depends and how long it is possible to enter the Schengen area with an ETIAS.

 The length of validity also depends on the identity papers

What does ETIAS mean for Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City
English

ETIAS is the European entry system, which should make travel within the Schengen area easier from the end of 2022. One ETIAS allows entry into 26 Schengen countries. There are four enclaves within the confederation of states that do not actually belong to the Schengen area: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. Will they have to apply for ETIAS in the future if travellers want to enter the Schengen area?

 Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City can enter the Schengen area

ETIAS - From application to approval
English

The approval of the application takes only a few hours in most cases. During this time, various processes take place, of which the applicant is usually unaware. The ETIAS system interrogates various databases. This is done automatically. Only when these queries have been matched does an employee take a closer look at the data.

 The data is stored in accordance with the principles of data protection

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