The year that has just begun brings important changes for American travelers that mean easier procedures when transiting through the country’s major airports. First of all, the way of applying for a passport will be changed, since most applications can now be submitted online.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself announced that a passport renewal portal will be launched shortly, which will allow the entire process to be carried out digitally, with the duration for the process remaining between six and nine weeks.
In second place are the changes regarding the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for entry into countries of the European Union and the Schengen area.
From now on, European “non-citizens” between the ages of 18 and 70 must complete the process via an online form and pay an entry fee of $7.25 upon arrival in one of the bloc’s member countries.
In addition, the new Entry/Exit System (SES) now includes the activation of fingerprint and face scanning systems at the entrance of these countries.
It is “an automated IT system that records third-country (non-EU) travellers’ personal data, biometric data (i.e. fingerprints and captured facial images) and entry and exit data when crossing the external borders of the bloc”. , according to Travel Pulse.
CHANGES FOR TRAVELERS IN THE UNITED STATES
The ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, was announced by the European Commission in November 2016 and became law in September 2018. It is a program that aims to reduce procedures and waiting times, as well as security issues.
According to the Schengenvisainfo website, “The ETIAS system subjects each applicant to a detailed security check to determine if they are eligible to enter a country in space.”
In addition, “it will collect, track and update the necessary data regarding visitors to determine whether their entry into Schengen Area countries is safe.”