Traveling to Europe is an experience rich in learning, cultural dynamism, breadth and enrichment of life formation, its years of history, heritage and predominant landscapes, makes Europe a reference destination to know, more than once.
However, the current and accelerated change of certain migratory policies between nations, provides for a constant updating of the rules for border transit; new regulations for Europe contain the ETIAS permit, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This is defined as a permit created to favor the security of European borders, mainly by facilitating the identification of possible threats or risks associated with people traveling to any of the countries that make up the Schengen area.
One of its main objectives, will be its necessity of use from May 2023, for foreign visitors “visa exempt”, since it will be an obligation regarding its processing and authorization, as it will be a mandatory entry requirement to Europe, in order to visit and make entry to any of the 26 member countries that comprise the Schengen zone (Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia
and the Czech Republic, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) and for the microstates of Vatican City, San Marino or Monaco.
However, for countries such as Ireland or Croatia, the access policy of each country should be confirmed and consulted.
It is important to highlight that the referred permit is available for short-term trips that may last up to 90 days, regardless of whether the visit is considered for tourism or business purposes, and its paperwork must be completed prior to the trip to Europe.
The process is a simple procedure that begins with a basic data form (such as passenger biographical data, member state of first intended entry, answer questions related to public health risks, criminal record history, information on previous refusals of entry or order to leave the territory of a member state, among others), which the applicant must register honestly as additionally, all information provided will be verified by the system that is designed to check information in security databases instantly, along with a valid passport, internet
access and electronic financial payment means, since every traveler from a visa exempt country will be required to obtain the approved ETIAS in order to travel to the Schengen zone.
If you want to expand your knowledge on issues related to VISAS and Immigration Advice, do not hesitate to contact Gestiones Empresariales López & James S.A.S., which, with its extensive experience in the field can provide the service you need.
At López & James we are more than willing to provide support on this issue, as we also have professionals specialized in the area of Immigration Law, as well as other areas of law.
Likewise, our team of administrative and foreign trade consultants is ready to provide advice on any concerns regarding these issues through its virtual channels, at any time, through the email contact@lopezjames.com or by calling our landline in Bogotá (+601) 7498261. For more information, please visit www.lopezjames.com.
About the author:
Daniela Álvarez, is a lawyer from the Universidad Santa María and a Specialist in Law and Business from the Universidad de la Sabana, is part of the López & James team in Venezuela and Central America.
She has extensive experience in civil, commercial, corporate and immigration law, as well as in legal and pre-legal collection and commercial arbitration dynamics.
Bogotá D.C. June 13, 2022.