Currently, there are approximately 60 countries in which you do not need a Visa to visit the Schengen Zone. However, by 2022 this will change due to the new automated system implemented by the European Union (EU), named the “The European Travel Information and Authorization System” (ETIAS).

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), is an electronic system that will keep track of visitors from countries who do not need a Visa to enter the Schengen Zone and will be a mandatory requirement for the protection of the Schengen borders. Some of the benefits of this system include: reducing procedure and application times, ensuring the safety of both its citizens and travelers, detecting and reducing terrorist crimes, and improving the management of the EU country borders. To obtain a complete listing of the countries in the Schengen zone that will require this authorization, please visit: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/
 

In order to obtain the authorization, the procedure is easy and is completed online by answering a questionnaire. The applicant will be asked to provide personal information such as: name, age, information from your current passport, contact details, and questions related to your background, including your medical history. Completing the entire questionnaire should not take more than 10 minutes.

The application review and processing fee will cost $9.00 USD per request if the applicant is over 18 years old. Applicants under 18 years old do not have to pay a fee. Debit and credit cards are accepted. After your payment is processed, the application is reviewed and the processing time takes approximately 96 hours or a maximum of two weeks.

Once your application has been approved, your travel authorization will be valid for transit, business or tourism trips for entries and stays of up to 90 days with a validity of 3 years or until the expiration of your passport.
 

But what happens if your application is denied?

In case your application is not approved, you will receive an email advising of the reason of the denial of your application. You can appeal the decision or based on the denial reason, you can adjust your application and submit it in again.

We hope you find this information useful. At AXA Assistance USA Inc. (AXA), we have several travel protection plans should you wish to travel to Europe.

What are you waiting for? Please don’t delay and obtain your free travel protection quote today.
 

Disclaimer: Welcome to the AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Blog! This Travel Blog is intended to provide you with entertaining and educational information of a general nature. The articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Please contact AXA Assistance USA if you have any questions.