ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is not a consequence of Brexit. By leaving the European Union, UK nationals no longer have the rights to freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. Like any other foreign traveler from a visa exempt country, British citizens will need to get the electronic permit online in 2022.

The EU first discussed the introduction of an electronic travel authorization system in 2016. During his State of the Union address on September 14th, then President Jean-Claude Juncker emphasized the importance of border security.

He said, “Tolerance cannot come at the price of our security. We need to know who is crossing our borders (…) Every time someone enters or exits the EU, there will be a record of when, where and why”.

In his speech, Juncker announced that by November that same year, the European Commission would propose an automated system to determine who could enter Europe.

As promised, in November 2016, the Commission introduced ETIAS to strengthen “security of travel to the Schengen area under visa-free agreements”.

It is expected that the European travel authorization will be live by the end of 2022 granting its holders multiple entries into the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area and with a validity of 3 years.

More information about how to get this new travel permit is available online or directly through any Schengen member embassy. But, overall, the process is fairly straightforward.

Despite rumors, ETIAS is not an entry requirement that was created only for British travelers. It’s being introduced for all third-country nationals from visa-exempt countries.

Things between the EU and the UK have continued to be tense despite them signing the Trade and Cooperation Agreement on January 1st, 2021. Tensions rose not long ago over trade involving Northern Ireland.

Back in June, European Council President Charles Michel said, “it is paramount to implement what we have decided. This is a question of rule of law.”

The protocol in Northern Ireland was precisely designed to maintain the free flow of trade after Britain left the bloc. The protocol dictates that Britain must check specific goods shipped to the EU from elsewhere in the United Kingdom. However, Britain postponed inspections, as a result, the EU threatened to take legal action.

There have been disputes over Gibraltar as well. More recently, the British government has rejected an EU proposal that seeks to give Spain control over entry points in Gibraltar.

US nationals will also need ETIAS to enter Europe

US citizens are also eligible for the ETIAS travel authorization. Currently, American travelers do not need to apply for a visa to enter Europe.

To apply as a United States citizen, you will need a valid passport, a debit card, and an email address. That’s all. If you don’t have a passport, you can easily get one. Among the requirements for a passport are your birth certificate and a passport-style photo. A lot of the process is now automated, and you can fill out the passport application form from home.

Getting ETIAS to visit Europe will take most travelers a few minutes of their time, too. The system will screen the data provided against security databases, approve the authorization and notify the applicant via email.

The United States has its own electronic system, the ESTA. Nationals from 39 Visa Waiver Countries register online before traveling to the US. There are many other countries that have similar systems. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all have electronic travel systems in place to screen visa exempt travelers.

There are several reasons why countries have such systems. For example, they contribute to preventing identity theft and forgery of documents. Electronic authorizations are linked to the traveler’s passport, making it more difficult for anyone to travel with a stolen passport.

Countries are concerned about security, and they want to know who is crossing their borders. The UK has implemented an electronic system too. At this time, however, their electronic visa waiver is only available for nationals from Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The pandemic has forced the majority of countries to introduce additional entry requirements. All countries within the Schengen Area require that arrivals complete a passenger arrival form, or a travel health card, or similar. In this document, travelers must provide details about their health status, and if they’ve been in contact with an infected person.

Additionally, the EU has introduced a digital COVID certificate which stores a person’s data regarding their vaccination status, or whether they have been tested positive or negative for coronavirus. Some countries still test passengers upon arrival and, depending on the territory where the traveler is coming from, they may be required to quarantine.

If you’re planning to travel to Europe in the coming months, be sure to check the entry requirements and custom regulations.