ETIAS: The New Mandatory Travel Requirement for Singapore and Malaysia Visitors to Europe

From next year onwards, citizens of Singapore and Malaysia planning to travel to any European Union (EU) or Schengen member countries will be required to obtain an online document known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

ETIAS will be a mandatory authorization linked to the traveller’s passport and will remain valid for three years or until the expiration date of the passport, as stated on the official ETIAS website.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

ETIAS: Recording Entry and Exit

It is important to mention here that the ETIAS has been designed to maintain records of individuals entering and leaving the Schengen Zone. It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa requirement and does not guarantee automatic entry upon arrival.

Border guards will continue to verify passports and other relevant documents to ensure compliance with entry conditions.

The Schengen zone encompasses 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other border control requirements at their mutual borders, facilitating seamless travel within the region.

ETIAS: Duration of Stay and Eligibility

Once obtained, an ETIAS allows Malaysian and Singaporean citizens to stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Application Process and Fee

To apply for ETIAS, applicants between the ages of 18 and 70 from Singapore and Malaysia must complete an online application and pay a fee of €7 (RM36, S$10). The entire process can be done online, eliminating the need for appointments or visits to embassies.

Minors and applicants over the age of 70 will receive an ETIAS free of charge. The EU aims to process most applications within minutes, though some decisions may take up to four days.

ETIAS Travel Authorization Requirement: EU Countries List

Starting next year, the following EU countries will require ETIAS travel authorization:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Denmark
8. Estonia
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Hungary
14. Iceland
15. Italy
16. Latvia
17. Liechtenstein
18. Lithuania
19. Luxembourg
20. Malta
21. Netherlands
22. Norway
23. Poland
24. Portugal
25. Romania
26. Slovakia
27. Slovenia
28. Spain
29. Sweden
30. Switzerland

Background

The proposal for ETIAS was finalized in November 2016, aiming to enhance the security of the Schengen area. This system requires visa-free travellers to obtain travel authorization and undergo various security checks before entering the EU.

By screening travellers before their arrival in Europe, the system aims to prevent individuals who pose security threats from entering the EU and reduce the likelihood of security incidents involving EU citizens.

Visa Exemption for Malaysia and Singapore

Both Malaysia and Singapore are among the 63 nations exempt from visa requirements when entering most European countries.

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