ETIAS Application Guidelines

Online Application Guidelines for ETIAS

It may seem trivial but there are a number of mistakes that can be made when filing out, reviewing, submitting and paying for your ETIAS application form. Below are a number of ETIAS application guidelines intended to assist applicants when they apply, to better ensure mistakes are not made that could negatively affect the outcome of an application.

Carefully fill out the ETIAS application form

Read through each question or statement carefully on the ETIAS form so that you understand what the question is asking before providing a response.

Answer each question on the ETIAS application form as honestly as you can. Do not attempt to change your answers based on what you think will likely lead to application approval. The automated systems used to process electronic visa and visa waiver applications check applicant data across a number of different databases to ensure the information provided by applicants match the information they are able to retrieve from other sources. Furthermore, providing false information on an application could lead to denial of entry at the EU border. These are critical for your application and are used to assess any potential risk you might pose.

Since most online visa and visa waiver applications have a timeout period, as in a time before the page expires, you are advised to work through your application within 20 minutes otherwise your information may not be saved. You may receive an on-page notification while applying for your ETIAS regarding when your application may time-out, although this may not always occur.

Review and submitting the application

The accuracy of biometric data provided on the application form is of critical importance. While you are reviewing your application, ensure you have double checked the biometric information such as your name, date of birth, gender, country of citizenship, and other passport related information. Failure to do so may result in your application being invalidated before you embark on your journey to the EU and may result in denial of entry into Europe.

Once you are confident the answers and data you provided on your applicant are accurate, submit your application.

Pay for your ETIAS application

Be prepared to 7.00 euro small application fee. This is usually done online using a credit or debit card. Note that the fee is non-refundable, even if the application is not approved.

When paying for your application, ensure you are using a payment card that is accepted by ETIAS and that there are no blocks, holds, as well as there are sufficient funds in your account. If your payment is declined or there is a payment error for one reason or another, your ETIAS application will likely not be processed nor approved.

Regardless of the outcome on your ETIAS application, you are advised to not perform any charge reversal (or chargeback) as this may result in your application being rescinded by ETIAS due to non-payment.

Use the official ETIAS website

Apply for ETIAS through the official website or authorized application portals to avoid scams or fraudulent sites that may overcharge you on the processing fees.

Application timing

Although the ETIAS application process is typically quick, it's advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date to account for any potential processing delays.

Multiple entries and validity

Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple entries into the Schengen countries but adheres to the 90/180 rule - no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

Appealing a denial

If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reason. You have the right to appeal this decision or correct any mistakes and reapply.

Remember, the ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization system for visa-exempt non-EU travelers. It's designed to enhance security while making travel more convenient.

Other Considerations for your ETIAS

Lastly, try to stay out of any legal trouble in the days leading up to your travel as this may affect your ETIAS authorisation even if you obtained your authorisation before being arrested or convicted. EU authorities can flag your authorisation if new data comes to light and your ETIAS may be revoked or annulled.