Every country has various needs for travelers coming into the country. The most common travel document required for foreigners includes a valid passport and a visa. Nevertheless, some countries will have additional requirements, such as the ETIAS. Usually, these documents will be required to guarantee that the state of security for a particular country is not at risk. If you are planning to travel to Europe for business or tourism, you must apply for ETIAS. This is especially a requirement if your trip involves visiting countries in the Schengen Zone. Can my ETIAS application be denied? Continue scrolling to learn more about this.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System(ETIAS) involves an authorization required before foreigners enter the countries within the Schengen Zone. The European Union established this authorization system to protect the European borders. Even though some travelers may not require a visa to travel to Schengen Zoned countries, they must apply for an ETIAS. This is a requirement if you are traveling for tourism and business purposes and not studying or working in an ETIAS country.
Essentially, this system will pre-approve you to enter Europe even before you actually arrive there. A background check will be critically run for each individual, ensuring they are not a threat to the destination country. Additionally, this system will track every move of each traveler, guaranteeing maximum security.
Why Would I Be Denied an ETIAS Approval?
It is not guaranteed that your ETIAS application will be accepted after making an application. Sometimes, it can be denied. Generally, each applicant’s information will be run through various watchlists and databases from different agencies. These agencies can include Visa Information System(VIS), Europol, or the Schengen Information System(SIS). The system assesses if an applicant has any criminal records or has been rejected or deported from a certain country. Also, it will detect if the said applicant has recently visited any conflict zones.
If any of these systems flags you, the data and information provided will be deemed fraudulent. Again, it will lead to security concerns and the rejection of your application. You will receive a notification for application denial justifying why the application was denied. Nevertheless, you can appeal the decision if your application is rejected.
Each traveler, irrespective of their age, is required to fill in an ETIAS application if they plan to visit a country in the Schengen Zone. The legal guardian of children below 18 years will complete the application on behalf of the minors. Fortunately, persons above 70 and below 18 are not required to pay an application fee. Currently, there are 57 countries outside the European Union whose citizens must apply for an ETIAS, including Brazil, Canada, and Australia.
If you are planning to travel to various destinations around the globe for reasons such as work or exploration, it is best to familiarize yourself with all the legal requirements. Remember that each country will have its specific requirements. Also, apply for the documents and certification required on time to avoid inconvenience.