Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Summary:

In November 2016 the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation setting up a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), to strengthen security checks on visa-free travellers. In June 2017 the Council of the European Union agreed on its general approach to this proposal, followed by the European Parliament in October. The two institutions reached an informal agreement on a compromise text on 12 December. The Regulation was formally adopted on 12 September 2018.

Further information:

The ETIAS is an automated system created to identify any security or irregular migratory risks posed by visa-exempt visitor travelling to the Schengen area. All non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area need to apply for a travel authorisation through the ETIAS system prior to their trip.

After filling in an online application form, the system conducts checks against EU information systems for borders and security and, in the vast majority of cases, issue a travel authorisation within minutes. The ETIAS travel authorisation is a mandatory pre-condition for entry to the Schengen area.

Background:

Building an effective and integrated external border management based on technology by harnessing the full potential of interoperability was set out in a Communication adopted in April 2016. The Commission then launched a feasibility study on establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

In a Communication adopted in September 2016, the European Commission confirmed the need to strike a balance between ensuring mobility and enhancing security, while facilitating legal entry into the Schengen area without the need for a visa (which has proven to an important tool in building partnerships with third countries). The need to set up an ETIAS was further highlighted by the European Council in October 2016.

• Primary Source

Commentary and Analysis

EPRS: At a Glance, July 2018: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2018)623559

EPRS: Briefing, October 2018: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_BRI(2017)599298

Council of the European Union: Discussion paper on a European electronic travel authorisation system, May 2016 http://statewatch.org/news/2016/may/eu-council-esta-8590-16.pdf

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News

Balkan Insight, 16/11/2016: Commission plans security checks for non-EU citizens http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/commission-plans-security-checks-for-non-eu-citizens-11-16-2016

Deutsche Welle, 16/11/2016: EU unveils security check plan for visitors http://dw.com/p/2SmaL

EurActiv, 16/11/2016: EU plans online screening for visa-free visitors from outside EU http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/eu-plans-online-screening-for-visa-free-visitors-from-outside-eu/

Politico, 15/11/2016: €5 to get into Europe http://www.politico.eu/article/e5-to-get-into-europe-schengen-zone-travel-non-eu-citizens/

Wall Street Journal, 16/11/2016: EU proposes US-style travel rules for foreigners http://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-proposes-u-s-style-travel-rules-for-foreigners-1479309346

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Official

EUR-Lex: COM(2016)731: Proposal for a Regulation establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2016:731:FIN

European Parliament: Legislative Observatory: European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil-mobile/fiche-procedure/2016/0357A(COD)

European Parliament: Legislative Train: European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-area-of-justice-and-fundamental-rights/file-jd-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-(etias)

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 25/04/2018: European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS): Council confirms agreement with European Parliament http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/04/25/european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias-council-confirms-agreement-with-european-parliament/

European Commission: Statement, 25/04/2018: Security Union: Commission welcomes political agreement on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for a stronger and more secure Union http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-18-3527_en.htm

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 09/06/2018: European travel information and authorisation system: Council agrees negotiating position http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/06/09-etias/

European Commission: Press Release, 05/07/2018: Commission welcomes the European Parliament's adoption of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and a stronger eu-LISA Agency http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4367_en.htm

European Commission: Fact Sheet, 05/07/2018: A European Travel Information and Authorisation System [Q&A] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-4362_en.htm

European Parliament: Press Release, 05/07/2018: Reinforcing EU border security: visa-exempt travellers will be pre-screened http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180628IPR06808/

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