The European Union activates the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This is a permit to travel through a large part of Europe from 2025.was initially going to be valid in 2024, but it has been decided to postpone this.

The goal is speed up the access of visa-free countries to Schengen area Member States and strengthen border security. That is, Ecuadorians do not need this documentation, because only tourists from countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe need it.. In the case of Ecuador, you must have the Schengen visa.

What documents are needed to apply for a Schengen visa?

Unlike the visa, which can be a more extensive process, ETIAS can be managed quicklythe form can be completed online with some personal information and details about the upcoming trip.

No equivalent to a visa And no need to go to a consulate nor collect biometric data. It will also not replace the entry requirements that remain in force within each country. In the vast majority of cases, the authorization will be automatic and arrive by email within minutes.

The ETIAS authorization costs € 7 euros, but if the applicant is under 18 years old or over 70 years old, he does not have to pay the fee. The authorization can be used for multiple short-term trips (not to exceed 90 days) and is valid for three years or until the passport you used to apply expires, whichever comes first.

The European Union approves the procedure for applying for a Schengen visa online

The permission applies to travelers from more than 60 currently visa-exempt countries who wish to enter Europe via one of the following 30 countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland , Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.

These are the countries that require the ETIAS authorization