You need an approved travel document to enter the Schengen countries
From 2024, those wishing to enter some European countries will have to pay a fee of €7 (R$36.91 at current prices) through an electronic travel authorization system. According to the block, the socalled Etias (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is intended to increase border security and track travelers digitally.
The measure applies to countries that currently have a visafree regime, such as Brazil. Prior to travel, you will need to fill out a form and await authorization to enter Etias signatory countries (see below for the list of countries that require this action).
Although they must request the document, travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from paying the €7 fee.
Once approved, the permit is valid for 3 years and can be used for short trips of up to 90 days. The permit applies to those entering the block for commercial, tourist, medical, or transit purposes. If you want to work or study, you have to issue a visa.
However, the approval of the Etias does not mean that the traveler is automatically admitted to the signatory countries. You still have to go through the immigration authorities and present the required documents.
The blocking authorities ask for a prior application. According to the program’s website, most applications are processed within 20 minutes, but approval can take up to 30 days.
Read the list of countries where Etias must authorize travellers:
- Austria;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Croatia;
- Cyprus;
- Czech Republic;
- Denmark;
- Estonia;
- Finland;
- France;
- Germany;
- Greece;
- Hungary;
- Iceland;
- Italy;
- Latvia;
- Liechtenstein;
- Lithuania;
- Luxembourg;
- Malta;
- Netherlands;
- Norway;
- Poland;
- Portugal;
- Romania;
- Slovakia;
- Slovenia;
- Spain;
- Sweden;
- Switzerland.
CORRECTION
8/27/2023 (7:06 p.m.) Contrary to what is published in this post, the EU and Schengen do not necessarily consist of the same countries. For example, Romania is part of the EU, but not Schengen. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, but not of the EU. The text above has been corrected and updated to be more accurate.