ETIAS is being rolled out by the European Commission to improve the security of the Schengen area, primarily requiring visa-free travelers to obtain travel authorization and undergo various security checks before their arrival to the EU. The applications are not available yet.
The ETIAS authorization can only be used for transit, tourism, and business travel. ETIAS will be checked by the traveler’s air carrier, sea carrier, or international carrier transporting groups overland by coach. If an ETIAS is not approved, the traveler cannot board the airplane, boat, or coach.
The EC recommends getting ETIAS travel authorization before buying your tickets and booking hotels. The official site says that most applications will be processed within minutes and, at the latest, within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to 30 days.
