A safer Schengen with ETIAS

Thanks to the new ETIAS system, visa-free travellers will finally be subjected to a thorough screening when they wish to enter the Schengen area. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. When a visa-free traveller comes to a Schengen country, he or she will soon need an ETIAS travel authorisation. This ETIAS travel authorisation will cost the traveller 7 euros.

Safeguarding external borders more strictly

MEP Helga Stevens co-negotiated the ETIAS system. “Our external borders have to be safeguarded more strictly, also with regard to travellers from visa-free countries. All too often, criminals slip through the net. To be able to guarantee the safety of our citizens better, we must screen these travellers in advance as well,” says Helga Stevens.

Better monitoring

Among other changes, the police services will have access to ETIAS. MEP Helga Stevens: “It’s a great thing, not least in connection with terrorist investigations. National immigration authorities will also be able to consult ETIAS. As it is linked to EURODAC, the database of fingerprints of asylum seekers and illegal migrants, they will be able to see more effectively who is wanting to enter the Schengen area.”