Traveling Without “Instant Visas” Until May Next Year

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become fully operational by May next year, following which, around 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries will have to seek “instant visas”, or travel authorizations, before visiting the EU.

In addition to Serbia, the list features, among others, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the USA. The system is designed so to not be complicated and, according to EU officials, it will be quick and simple and encompass people who plan to travel for tourism, business or other reasons.

Serbian citizens who want to travel to the EU will have to fill out an online application, which takes no more than about ten minutes, Politika writes. All applicants between 18 and 70 will have to pay EUR 7 for this service, whereas for underage citizens, it is free, and their data will have to be filled out and submitted by their parents. A reply about the approval of the request for an “instant visa” which will be valid for three years (with each visit capped at 90 days) or for however long the passport is valid is sent to the email address in a manner of minutes. In case the request is rejected, the applicant gets an explanation as to why, and there’s also the possibility of filing a complaint.

With this document, once you enter the country you listed as the first destination, you will also be able to visit all the other EU states. For now, one can travel to Europe, including seaside areas, without this authorization.

When presenting this system, it was pointed out that the permit did not mean an automatic right to enter and stay in the EU, because the final decision was to be made by the border police. Another rule is that air and sea transport companies will also be obliged to check whether the passengers have valid permits for crossing the outer EU border and entering the Schengen Area before boarding.

European Travel Information and Authorization System

ETIAS

entering EU states

instant visa

Schengen Area

online application

travel authorization before visiting EU