If you want to go to Europe, you will have to process a new so-called permit Etias (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This is a permit to travel through a large part of Europe from 2025.; This was initially going to be valid in 2024, but it has been decided to postpone it.

The intention is like this 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, It is only necessary for tourists from countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe. In the case of Ecuador, you must have the Schengen visa.

The European Schengen area opens to two new countries

The procedure is completely online and provides some personal information and details about the upcoming trip. 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. Once the permit is processed, its validity will last for three consecutive years from the date of issue or until the passport registering the permit expires. In the meantime, a stay of up to 90 days in Europe remains permitted.

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 will arrive by email within a few minutes.

These are the countries that require the ETIAS authorization

The permission It is required to enter Europe through 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. This process is not necessary to visit Ireland and the United Kingdom. (JO)