ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa: A Comparison Guide for Traveling to Europe in 2024

The European Union is about to launch the “European Travel Information and Authorisation System” (European Travel Information and Authorisation System, abbreviated as ETIAS) in 2024. This brand-new electronic visa system confuses many travelers, who don’t know whether they will need to apply for ETIAS or the traditional Schengen Visa (Schengen Visa) when traveling to EU countries in the future.

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for travelers who can currently travel to Europe visa-free, with the aim of strengthening border information control. The Schengen Visa, on the other hand, is the visa currently required for travelers who cannot travel to EU countries visa-free.

This article will discuss the differences between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa.

• Introduction to ETIAS
• The Schengen Visa
• ETIAS or Schengen Visa
• Key Differences Between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa
• How to Apply for ETIAS or a Schengen Visa: Applying for ETIAS
• Applying for Schengen

Introduction to ETIAS

ETIAS was first proposed in 2016, aiming to strengthen travel security for countries whose citizens currently do not need a visa to travel to Europe and the Schengen Area.

Currently, there are 60 countries in the world that are not part of the EU but whose citizens can freely travel to and within Europe without a visa (i.e., visa-free), including the Republic of China (Republic of China). This means that citizens of these countries currently only need a valid passport to visit Europe, but a problem has also emerged: there is little or no background information on these visitors.

Therefore, after ETIAS is launched, travelers intending to go to Europe will need to fill out a detailed online application form and provide personal information, including criminal records and visits to monitored conflict zones in the world, to await ETIAS approval.

ETIAS applications will be checked through multiple databases, including Interpol and Europol. Once the application is approved, ETIAS attaches the electronic visa to the applicant’s passport, valid for three years or until the passport expires.

The Schengen Visa

The Schengen Area refers to a region composed of 26 European countries that abide by the Schengen Agreement, allowing free travel and passage within the area. It is easily confused with the EU, but in fact there are significant differences between the two.

The Schengen Area currently has a total of 26 countries, including: Schengen Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Among them, four countries—Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein—are not EU member states, so applying for a Schengen Visa does not qualify for the visa-free benefit.

Most Schengen countries are also EU member states, but the following five countries are exceptions, including:

1. Republic of Ireland
2. Cyprus
3. Croatia
4. Bulgaria
5. Romania

These five countries are EU member states but do not belong to the Schengen Area, although Bulgaria and Romania are in the process of joining.

ETIAS or Schengen Visa

Since citizens of Schengen Area countries and EU member states can enjoy free movement between the two, they can travel in Europe without ETIAS or a Schengen Visa.

Therefore, citizens of the 60 countries (including the Republic of China) that currently can travel to Europe visa-free will need to obtain authorization to visit Europe after ETIAS is implemented in 2024. This authorization can be either ETIAS or a Schengen Visa.

Simply put, travelers who already hold ETIAS do not need a Schengen Visa. However, those who do not qualify for ETIAS or do not have ETIAS (non-visa-waiver countries) need to hold a Schengen Visa.

Key Differences Between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system linked to a passport, allowing the holder to enter and travel within the EU, but if the passport holder is not an EU citizen, it does not necessarily allow entry into the Schengen Area outside the EU.

The Schengen Visa, on the other hand, is a traditional passport visa that allows travel within the 26 member countries. However, unlike ETIAS, which allows travel throughout Europe, the Schengen Visa applies only to the country of application and does not necessarily apply to other Schengen countries. If a tourist wishes to visit two or more Schengen countries, they need to apply for a visa at the embassy of the country where they will spend most of their time. The Schengen Visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within six months after first entry.

How to Apply for ETIAS or a Schengen Visa

Applying for ETIAS

ETIAS can be applied for online on the official website and takes about 20 minutes. The application form will require basic personal information, details of past visits to conflict zones in the world and criminal records, and the first destination country you plan to enter in Europe.

After a detailed check of various EU databases, the system usually informs you of the acceptance or rejection result within a few minutes, though it may take several weeks if you are required to go through a human review process. A fee of 7 euros is required when applying.

Applying for Schengen

Applying for a Schengen Visa must be done in person at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Since the process is not automated online, visa issuance may take six weeks or longer. Other requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa include:

1. The passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
2. The passport must be valid for three months beyond the visa expiry date.
3. When applying for a long-term residence permit, the passport should be valid until the visa expiry date.

In addition, there is another difference between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa. Unlike ETIAS, the Schengen Visa comes in different versions with different conditions and restrictions.

A Type A visa allows the holder to transit through an airport in a Schengen country but not to stay in that country or even leave the airport.

A Type C visa is a short-stay visa for staying in a Schengen member state, including the following subcategories:

1. A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once within a certain period; once they leave, the visa becomes invalid.
2. A double-entry visa allows the holder to enter and leave the Schengen Area twice, becoming invalid upon the second departure.
3. A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and leave the Schengen Area multiple times within each 180-day period, with a maximum stay of 90 days each time.

Results and Discussion

ETIAS and the Schengen Visa are two different travel authorization systems. ETIAS is a newly introduced electronic travel authorization for travelers who can currently travel to Europe visa-free. The Schengen Visa is the visa required for travelers who cannot travel to the Schengen Area visa-free. Holders of ETIAS can travel throughout Europe, while the Schengen Visa applies only to the specific country of application.

If you plan to travel to Europe, please confirm whether your nationality requires ETIAS or a Schengen Visa, and start the application process as early as possible to ensure smooth travel.

Appendix

1. New European Travel Rules from 2024! A Must-Read ETIAS Certification Application Guide for Travelers to Europe
2. Detailed List of European Countries and Regions
3. ETIAS Certification Application Website