Starting next year, travelers from 60 visa-exempt territories, including Hong Kong, will need travel authorization to visit Europe, the EU announced. The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) aims to enhance safety without hindering leisure and business travel.
ETIAS: Strengthening EU Security
Izabella Cooper, media and outreach leader for the ETIAS central unit at the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, explained that the system is designed to bolster the EU’s internal security. Traditionally, border guards check databases such as the stolen document database, visa information system, and Europol database. With ETIAS, potential risks will be screened before travel, making border crossings smoother.
The authorisation will apply to 30 European countries, maintaining the current stay limit of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Cooper assured that ETIAS will not complicate travel for those from visa-exempt places, comparing it to systems used by the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The online application process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
Application Process and Requirements
The largely automated ETIAS system will identify security, irregular migration, or epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors. Applicants must provide personal details, travel document information, and other relevant data. Those with existing work or student visas for the EU will not need ETIAS clearance.
An ETIAS authorisation, valid for three years for multiple entries, will cost €7 (US$7.50), with fees waived for individuals under 18 or over 70. Travelers are advised to obtain authorization before making travel arrangements. The rules will take effect in the first half of next year, followed by a six-month transition period and a grace period for entry without ETIAS.
Ensuring Authentic Applications
Cooper stressed the importance of using the official ETIAS website, noting the existence of over 100 unofficial sites, some of which may be fraudulent. Authorized applications on behalf of others will require the applicant’s consent.
Thomas Gnocchi, ambassador and head of the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau, emphasized that the visa-free regime remains unchanged, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to fostering people-to-people exchanges with Hong Kong.