European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) [2025]

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an upcoming travel requirement that will significantly impact international travelers, including those from India. Expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, ETIAS is designed to strengthen the security of the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

This system is not a visa but a mandatory pre-travel authorization for citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries, including India, who wish to visit Europe for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For Indian travellers who frequent Europe for holidays, business trips, or family visits, ETIAS will simplify travel while enhancing border security across Europe. The introduction of ETIAS will impact an estimated 26 million travellers annually from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone.

As such, Indian travellers need to understand how ETIAS works and how it will affect their future travel plans.

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What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an automated system designed to determine the eligibility of visitors from visa-exempt countries before they travel to any of the Schengen Area countries. ETIAS is part of Europe’s broader effort to bolster security, address illegal immigration, and combat terrorism. It functions similarly to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which screens travelers before they enter the country.

 

Is ETIAS a Visa?

One of the most common misconceptions about ETIAS is that it is a visa. However, ETIAS is not a visa. Indian nationals still require a Schengen visa to enter Europe. ETIAS is aimed at travelers from visa-exempt countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For Indians who hold a passport from any of these visa-exempt countries, ETIAS will be mandatory when visiting Europe.

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How Does ETIAS Work?

ETIAS application process will be straightforward, fully digital, and take only a few minutes. Below are the key steps involved in obtaining ETIAS:

1. Online Application: Indian travelers will need to fill out an online application form. This form will request personal details such as name, date of birth, passport information, and intended travel plans.

2. Security Questions: The system will ask applicants about any previous criminal records, travel history to conflict zones, and any other relevant security-related issues.

3. Processing: The system will automatically cross-check the applicant’s information against various security databases like Interpol, Europol, and Schengen Information System (SIS).

4. Decision: In most cases, ETIAS will be approved within minutes. However, if any red flags are raised during the automated process, the application may be manually reviewed, which could take up to 30 days.

5. Validity: Once approved, ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, the traveler can enter Europe multiple times, provided they adhere to the 90 days in 180 days rule.

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Why Is ETIAS Being Implemented?

The primary objective behind ETIAS is to enhance the security of the Schengen Area. As Europe continues to face challenges related to terrorism, illegal immigration, and health-related threats (such as pandemics), ETIAS is seen as a proactive measure. According to the European Commission, the system will help in the following ways:

• Enhancing Security: ETIAS will pre-screen travelers and identify those who may pose a threat, including individuals involved in terrorism, organized crime, or human trafficking.

• Combating Illegal Immigration: With over 150 million people entering the Schengen Zone annually, ETIAS will help European authorities manage and monitor visitors, reducing the risk of overstayers and illegal immigration.

• Preventing Health Risks: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe saw the importance of monitoring travel from specific regions. ETIAS will allow authorities to track travelers from areas facing health crises more effectively.

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ETIAS Requirements for Indian Travelers

Although Indian passport holders will still require a Schengen visa to enter Europe, ETIAS will apply to those Indians who hold dual citizenship or passports from countries that are visa-exempt for Europe. Travelers who possess passports from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand will need to apply for ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area.

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Countries Covered by ETIAS

ETIAS covers travel to the entire Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries. These include popular tourist destinations like:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Greece
• Netherlands
• Austria

This system will also apply to countries that are part of the Schengen agreement but are not members of the European Union (EU), such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

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ETIAS and Indian Travelers: A Growing Audience

Europe has always been a popular destination for Indian tourists. In 2022, over 10 million Indians traveled to various European countries, with popular destinations including France, Italy, and Switzerland. According to research by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Indian outbound tourism to Europe is projected to grow at a rate of 7-8% annually, as more Indians explore the continent for leisure, business, and educational purposes.

ETIAS will likely impact this growing number of travelers, especially those with visa-exempt passports. With the increasing ease of international travel and affordable airfares, Indian citizens with dual citizenship are expected to benefit from ETIAS.

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Key ETIAS Statistics and Facts for Indian Travelers

• Launch Date: ETIAS is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
• Target Audience: Citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries, which account for 26 million travelers annually.
• Application Fee: The ETIAS fee is €7 for adults. Applicants under the age of 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
• Approval Time: Most applications will be approved within minutes, although manual processing may take up to 30 days.
• Validity: ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.
• Travel Limitation: ETIAS allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

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How to Apply for ETIAS: Step-by-Step Guide

For Indian travelers with visa-exempt passports, the ETIAS application process is simple and efficient:

1. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
2. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the ETIAS form, providing your full name, passport details, travel plans, and answering security-related questions.
3. Pay the Application Fee: The application fee is €7, which can be paid online using a credit or debit card.
4. Receive ETIAS Approval: Once the application is submitted, the system will process the data, and in most cases, travelers will receive approval within minutes.
5. Print or Download the Approval: Though ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport, it is advisable to print or download a copy of your authorization.

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ETIAS Exemptions

Not all travelers will be required to pay the €7 application fee. The following groups are exempt from the fee:

• Minors under 18 years old
• Seniors over 70 years old
• Close family members of EU or Schengen citizens
• Diplomatic or humanitarian travelers on special missions

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Benefits of ETIAS for Indian Travelers

• Faster Border Checks: ETIAS will streamline the process for those traveling from visa-exempt countries, making border checks quicker and more efficient.

• Multiple Entries: Once approved, ETIAS allows multiple entries into Europe for up to 3 years, reducing the hassle of obtaining travel authorizations for each trip.

• Enhanced Security: Indian travelers can benefit from improved security measures across Europe, as ETIAS helps prevent criminal activities and health threats.

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ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference?

For Indian passport holders, a Schengen Visa will still be required for travel to Europe. However, for those who hold passports from countries that are visa-exempt, ETIAS will be mandatory. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	ETIAS	Schengen visa
Who Needs It	Visa-exempt countries	Indian passport holders
Application Fee	€7	€80-€100
Validity	3 years or passport expiry	Varies (single or multiple entries)
Processing Time	Minutes to 30 days	15-30 days
Stay Limit	90 days in a 180-day period	Up to 90 days

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Be Prepared for ETIAS

As Indian travel to Europe continues to grow, it is crucial to be aware of the upcoming ETIAS regulations. While Indian passport holders will still require a Schengen Visa, those with dual nationality or visa-exempt passports must ensure they apply for ETIAS before planning their trips.

The introduction of ETIAS will streamline travel while enhancing the security of Europe’s borders, making it an essential step for travelers to consider when visiting the continent. With over **10 million