EU Travel Visa ETIAS Overview
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic travel authorization system for visiting EU (European Union) countries.
It is designed so that nationals of visa-exempt countries can apply online in advance and receive approval before entering the EU.
Similar to the US ESTA, European ETIAS, and Canadian eTA systems, it was introduced to simplify EU entry procedures and strengthen security.
Background
As a pre-authorization system for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the European Union (EU) and Schengen area, ETIAS aims to verify the identity of EU visitors, strengthen border management and security within Europe, and prevent illegal immigration, crime, and terrorism. ETIAS will also contribute to providing a smooth travel experience by streamlining entry inspection procedures.
Eligibility & Requirements
Nationals of EU visa-exempt countries
Those planning short-term visits of 90 days or less
Those visiting for tourism, family visits, business meetings, etc.
ETIAS Application Method & Procedure
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Application Procedure
1. Visit the EU government official website
2. Complete the online application form (enter passport information, visit purpose)
3. Pay the application fee (7 euros)
4. Receive approval result within 3 days of application
5. Enter the EU with your approved ETIAS
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Required Documents
Valid passport
Recent photo
Travel itinerary and departure flight information
Credit card or debit card (for application fee payment)
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ETIAS Validity Period & Stay Rules
Validity Period: 3 years
Maximum stay per visit: Up to 90 days
ETIAS holders can visit the EU multiple times within the validity period
Differences Between ETIAS and Schengen Visa
| Category | ETIAS | Schengen Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Target Countries | Visa-exempt country citizens (60 countries) | Visa-required country citizens |
| Application Process | Online application | Embassy/consulate visit, document submission, interview required |
| Approval Time | Usually within minutes | May take 2+ weeks |
| Stay Duration | Up to 90 days (3-year validity, 90 days within 180-day period) | Up to 90 days (within 180-day period) |
| Cost | Approximately 7 euros | Approximately 60-80 euros |
| Approval Process | Quick and simple approval procedure | Document submission and review required, more complex |
Important Notes
- EU entry is not possible without ETIAS approval.
- You must have a return flight ticket.
- Immigration may require proof of stay purpose and financial status.
- Accurate information must be entered during application; errors may require reapplication.
- If ETIAS application is denied, you must apply for a standard visitor visa.
The EU Travel Visa ETIAS system simplifies EU visit procedures and enables more systematic entry management. Since it will be mandatory for many countries starting from 2026, thorough advance preparation is important. We hope this information provides practical help for individuals and organizations planning to visit the EU.
Long-term Visas for Major European Countries
The EU travel visa does not allow stays exceeding 90 days, so for longer stays, you must apply for a separate visa from the specific country.
France Visa
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1. Long-stay Visa (VLS-TS)
Required for stays in France exceeding 90 days
Can be applied for study, employment, business purposes
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Student Visa
Required for enrollment at French universities or educational institutions
Financial proof (minimum 615 euros/month), admission letter required
Germany Visa
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National Visa
Required for stays in Germany exceeding 90 days
Issued for employment, study, family reunion purposes
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Blue Card (EU Blue Card)
Issued to high-income professionals working in Germany
Minimum annual salary of 58,400 euros (45,552 euros for certain IT sectors) required
Switzerland Visa
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Residence Permit (L Permit, B Permit, C Permit)
L Permit: Short-term residence (up to 1 year)
B Permit: Long-term residence (up to 5 years)
C Permit: Permanent residence (eligible after 10+ years of residence)
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Work Visa
Required for official employment in Switzerland
Employment contract and financial capability proof required
If you need visa information for a specific country, please contact our customer service and we will send you the latest visa application information.
Major European Countries Visa Application Methods & Costs
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General Application Procedure
Visit the embassy website and complete the application form
Book online and submit documents
Register biometric information (fingerprints and photo submission)
Visa issuance after review (usually 2-4 weeks)
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Required Documents (Common)
Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed and signed application form
Financial proof (e.g., bank statement, pay slip)
Accommodation proof (hotel reservation, residence contract, etc.)
Travel insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros)
Invitation letter (if required by visit purpose)
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Application Costs & Processing Times by Country
Visa Type Application Cost Processing Time Schengen Visa Approx. 80 euros Approx. 15 days France Long-term Visa Approx. 99 euros 4-8 weeks Germany Blue Card Visa Approx. 110 euros 4-6 weeks Switzerland Residence Permit Approx. 150-200 Swiss Francs 6-8 weeks
Important Points for Visa Application
1. Choose the right visa for your entry purpose - Cannot work on a tourist visa
2. Check application and document errors - Inaccurate information may lead to rejection
3. Comply with visa expiration dates - Illegal overstay may result in entry ban
4. Sufficient financial proof required - Minimum 3 months of financial status verification needed
European visas are divided into EU travel visas, tourist visas (Schengen) and country-specific long-term stay visas, and choosing the right visa for your purpose is important. We recommend thorough preparation before application and accurate document submission to increase your approval chances.