In 2025, European Union countries are preparing to modernize and digitize the entry and exit system in the Schengen area. Two major changes are planned:
Both changes affect visa-exempt non-EU travelers who want to travel to the Schengen area for short periods.
In this article we are concerned with explaining how the ETIAS travel authorization for Europe works, who are the travelers who need it, and how to apply for it.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new entry requirement for travelers who do not hold a European passport, but are exempt from visa requirements, who want to enter one of the Schengen area countries.
This authorization is required for travelers who wish to travel to Europe for short stays, that is, a maximum of 90 days out of a 180-day period.
The ETIAS is not a visa, but an authorization to travel, which you must compulsorily obtain prior to departure to the EU country you wish to travel to.
From the time it is obtained, the ETIAS has a duration of 3 years, or until the passport expires. In fact, it is important to know that the ETIAS is tied to the passport: if the passport expires, a new authorization must be applied for.
We should also specify that being in possession of the ETIAS authorization does not guarantee entry into Europe. The final decision rests with the border guard, who is responsible for verifying that the traveler meets all the conditions for entry.
Travelers from non-EU countries who do not require an entry visa and plan to stay in Europe for up to 90 days need to apply for ETIAS. These include, for example, citizens of:
To learn more about travelers who are required to present ETIAS at the border check out thefull list of countries.
Once you have obtained the ETIAS you can enter and leave any Schengen country as many times as you want, as long as you do not exceed the famous 90 days. This means, for example, that to tour several European countries you only need to apply for ETIAS once.
Applying for ETIAS is a simple process and entirely online. At the time of writing this article, applications for this travel permit have not yet been opened. The expected effective date for ETIAS is 2025. Once the system is up and running, it will be possible to apply directly on the official website.
Documents needed to apply for ETIAS
To submit the application, you will need:
You will also need to complete the application by entering your personal information, the reasons for your trip, how long you intend to stay, and information regarding travel to war zones or any criminal convictions.
Most requests are processed in a few minutes, but can take up to 4 days. In some cases, the relevant authorities may require you to provide additional information regarding your personal data, and in that case the waiting time may extend up to 30 days.
Therefore, if you have a trip planned, it is advisable to apply for ETIAS authorization well in advance so you can be sure to receive it in time.
If you are wondering if it is possible for ETIAS to be refused, the answer is yes. It may happen that some travelers are refused ETIAS, in which case you will be able to file an appeal.
If you come to Italy for study, do you need ETIAS? In general, the procedure for moving to a European country for study is different. As we said, the ETIAS is a travel permit for short stays of up to 3 months, whereas normally people who move to Europe to study stay there for a longer period.
In addition, students from some non-EU countries (such as China, India or Iran) still need to apply for a visa to enter Europe, even to attend study courses of less than 90 days.
If you are looking for more details on this topic you can check out our guide with all the steps to study in Italy.
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