ETIAS mandatory or not?
One page says ETIAS is optional until 2023, but another page says we must have it to enter Finland and another one says mandatory to go to any Schengen country. Sorry I've forgotten where the other two are, but they were either government or well-done tourism pages (not bloggers of unknown reliability but still could be wrong).
What's the scoop?
Best Answer
ETIAS is designed to be mandatory for third-country travellers. Your first link doesn't really contradict this. It simply says a grace period will be available before the system is mandatory.
but another page says we must have it to enter Finland and another one says mandatory to go to any Schengen country.
If you are using present tense to mean at the moment here, that's impossible for these statements to be true. ETIAS is not in operation right now for anyone for any country.
According to official EU website, ETIAS is expected to become operational by the end of 2022. Once it is operational, a grace period of six months is provided during which the relevant member states inform travellers and improve the awareness of the new system. During this period, the use of ETIAS will be optional.
An additional six-month grace period follows. During this period, ETIAS will be mandatory but exceptions will be made for the first time a traveller crosses the external border after the first grace period has ended. This limited grace period can be extended by the Commission for another six months. (Article 83, Regulation (EU) 2018/1240)
Pictures about "ETIAS mandatory or not?"
Who is exempt from ETIAS?
Only travellers from EU countries will be exempt from ETIAS. They can continue to enjoy free movement within the Schengen Area. Citizens of non-EU countries that are currently visa exempt will need an ETIAS. Other nationalities will continue to need a Schengen visa, and will not be eligible for the ETIAS.Do I need a ETIAS visa?
ETIAS will be required to travel to the 26 Schengen Area countries plus Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania which are in the process of joining the Schengen Area. The ETIAS is a travel authorization for business or touristic purposes, and will not be a substitute for a student or working visa.Why is ETIAS required?
The ETIAS program has been created to improve security in the Schengen Area, both for locals and visitors. The European Council is certain that this new border and migration policy will increase security and help protect Europe from any possible future threats.What countries will require ETIAS?
COUNTRIES THAT WILL REQUIRE THE ETIAS VISA WAIVER:- Austria.
- Belgium.
- Luxembourg.
- Netherlands.
- Germany.
- France.
- Spain.
- Portugal.
ETIAS Will Not Become Mandatory Until the End of 2022
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