Since the new requirement for entering the Schengen space has been announced, there have been some misunderstandings about some of the topics related to this travel authorization. In this article, we will clarify at least 6 of them, which are believed to be the most significant ones. These are the following:

1. When applying for travel authorization ETIAS – SEIAV applicants need to provide medical information.

This is incorrect. The application form will ask for personal details such as address, passport information, current occupation and                details about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions.

2. Etias – Seiav is required to travel to the 27 Schengen countries.

This is incorrect. Only visa-free travellers will need a valid ETIAS travel authoriszation to enter 30 European countries. These include        the 27 Schengen countries as well as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

3.  Only people between the ages of 18 and 70 will need to apply for an ETIAS – SEIAV.

This is incorrect. Only visa-free travelers between the ages of 18 and 70 will have to pay the 7€ fee. All other visa-free visitors will              still need to submit their application, although no fee will be involved.

4. ETIAS is a new visa for nationals of 60 countries who didn’t need a visa to travel to Europe before.

This is incorrect, ETIAS – SEIAV is not a visa, visas are granted at the consulates in each country. ETIAS – SEIAV is an electronic travel authorization to be submitted by all those visa-free travelers to the Schengen space. It is similar to ESTA for the US , Eta for Canada, and also for visiting Australia.

An ETIAS – SEIAV travel authorization only allows travelers to enter and remain on the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It does not give the applicants the right to study, work, or remain on the territory long-term. Nationals of visa-exempt countries who plan to stay in a European country requiring ETIAS to work, study, or live for a longer period will most likely need a long-term visa.

5. If the result of the application is TRAVEL NOT AUTHORIZED then traveler can apply for a Schengen visa instead.

This is incorrect. A visa and ETIAS – SEIAV are completely different type of authorizations, and if a visa-exempt traveler gets a refused ETIAS – SEIAV , there will be no possibility to cross any o the external borders of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

6. ETIAS – SEIAV will be valid for 5 years.

Incorrect. An ETIAS – SEIAV travel authorization will be valid for 3 years, or until the passport used for the application form expires, whichever happens first.