EU Confirms: COVID-19 Hasn’t Affected Preparations for Entry Into Operation of ETIAS Scheme
The Coronavirus pandemic has not jeopardised in any way the planned launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which is set to become fully operational by the end of 2022.
While the pandemic has affected the EU block in many ways, halting many procedures and slowing down the process for many others, the ETIAS scheme seems to be one of the EU plans that have not been affected by the health and economic crisis that has hit the world in 2020.
The new scheme, through which EU authorities will know who will enter its territory before travellers even arrive at the borders, may even be used to control travel in the EU if the pandemic is not brought under control before the end of 2022.
“The preparations for the entry into operation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) have so far not been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and ETIAS is currently planned for entry into operation by the end of 2022,” the press officer said.
Asked whether the scheme might better help the EU to restore travel to the block for third-country citizens who can enter visa-free, the official said that once in operation, ETIAS will help identify risks that may be posed by individual visa-exempt visitors before they reach the EU borders.
However, the same did not confirm nor deny whether the ETIAS will be used to control travel from the visa-free countries.
“During the corona pandemic, it remains for the Council to decide from which countries non-essential travel is allowed,” the official said.
The ETIAS, set to come into force on January 1, 2021, but fully operational and mandatory for travellers only by the end of 2022, is a new scheme established by the EU in a bid of the block to make the Schengen area safer for both, citizens and travellers.
The ETIAS, which is a travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), will become compulsory for the passport holders of over 60 world countries that so far have enjoyed visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short-term stays, including the former EU nationals – UK passport holders.
Recently, the scheme has been a hot topic in Albania, where fake news that the EU is bringing back the Schengen visa requirement for the citizens of the country, have been circulating in the online media.
The debate has been fuelled by the former Prime Minister of the country, Sali Berisha, who posted a Facebook status based on fake news, which was shared by many of his over one million followers.
The information has been refuted by the EU Delegation in Albania, the current Prime Minister, and others.