Non-European citizens from countries that are exempt from visas, among them, Brazilians, Canadians, Americans and Australians, will need to obtain an authorization before travelling to Europe. The system, known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), was approved by the European Union this week by 494 votes in favor, 115 against and 30 abstentions.
ETIAS will demand citizens to fill an electronic form before the planned travel, including personal data (name, date and place of birth, gender and nationality), travel document information (due date, place of issue), home address and contact details, as well as the first country of admittance in the EU.
The travel authorization will cost 7 euros, and for people under 18 and over 70 years old it will be free, being valid for 3 years or until the travel documents’ due date. The applicant will also have to inform the authorities of any convictions for severe crimes (such as terrorism, sexual exploitation of children, drug or human trafficking, murder or rape), and also any settlements in conflict or war zones, and administrative questions that may be asked.
After the European Parliament’s approval, the EITAS text will formally go through the Committee. The president of the European Parliament and the presidency of the Committee will, then, sign the texts so the decision can be published in the Official Diary. The forecast is that ETIAS will be valid from 2021.