Following the European Commission report issued in September regarding strengthening the EU’s external border control systems, the European Commission has published a proposal for an electronic European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
EU Legislative Process
The proposal will now be debated by the European Parliament and the Council. The formal adoption of the Regulation is expected in 2017. Once adopted, the technical implementation phase will begin and the system is expected to be fully operational by 2020.
System Details
ETIAS will help to determine the eligibility of visa-exempt third-country nationals entering the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The system will deliver travel authorizations to qualified travelers via email.
ETIAS is the European equivalent of the American ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and the Canadian and Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Systems.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
When ETIAS becomes operational, visa-exempt foreign nationals will have to apply for travel authorization before travelling to the Schengen Area. The authorization process is expected to be faster and easier than obtaining a visa.
Fragomen will monitor the EU legislative process and inform clients about future developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
© 2016 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.
Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.
Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.
Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.
Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.
Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.
Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.
Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.
Awards
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.
Blog post
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.
Video
In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.
Media mentions
Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.