Ministry clarifies ETIAS is NOT an alternative to Schengen visa

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

The Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has explained that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), scheduled to be launched by the European Union (EU) states at the end of this year, is not an alternative to the Schengen visa.

The Consular Affairs Department stated that the ETIAS system is dedicated solely for visitors exempted from the Schengen visa who travel to the EU states or the Schengen Area, since the system will be dedicated for passengers whose entry to the EU states does not require the Schengen visa. For example:

If travelers used to need Schengen visas, they will continue to do so. Whereas travelers that use to not need a Schengen visa, will now need to apply for the ETIAS.

The Department explained that the ETIAS system is not considered a visa, and it is not a substitute for the Schengen visa, but rather a travel authorization for travelers from about 59 Schengen-exempt countries.

On the other hand, travelers from non-Schengen-exempt countries will still continue to obtain a Schengen visa as usual in order to enter the EU countries.

Source: Hukoomi