30-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Starting next year, Singaporeans planning to visit popular European destinations like France, Italy, and Spain will be required to obtain an additional travel document. Known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), this electronic visa waiver is similar to the Esta system used by the United States.
Etias conducts background checks on applicants to identify potential security risks before they enter Europe’s external borders, as stated on its official website. The requirement for Etias applies primarily to continental European countries that are signatories of the Schengen Agreement, which enables freedom of movement among participating nations by removing travel restrictions.
The Schengen Area currently comprises 27 countries, including Belgium, Iceland, and the Netherlands, but does not include the United Kingdom. Additionally, three non-Schengen countries—Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania—will also implement the Etias system.
Singaporean citizens, along with nationals from 58 other countries and territories such as Malaysia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Canada, will be required to apply for the Etias online document, which remains valid for three years.
Applicants will receive a notification within 96 hours of submission, indicating the approval, refusal, or the need for manual processing of their Etias application. In case of rejection, applicants will receive an explanation that includes information about the specific EU member state responsible for the decision. They will also have the opportunity to appeal.
The cost of the Etias document is €7 (S$10) for travelers aged 18 to 70, while it remains free for individuals outside this age range.
According to the Etias website, the European Commission introduced the document in November 2016, and it was legislated in September 2018 with the aim of enhancing the security of EU member states by gathering data on travelers who currently enjoy visa-free access to the region.
The website further explains that the objective of Etias is to identify individuals who may pose security threats before they enter the Schengen area, with a specific focus on terrorism or migration-related risks.
