What is the difference between ETIAS and ESTA? The ETIAS is being implemented to improve European security by determining if an incoming tourist constitutes a criminal, terrorist, or health danger to the European Union and Schengen Zone members. The new travel authorization system will live in 2023 after a six-month testing period. ETIAS clearance will not be required during this time, but it will be starting in early 2023.
The ESTA (which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization), like the European ETIAS, is a security measure designed to keep undesired or undesirable visitors out of the United States.
Digital Authorization
ETIAS and ESTA are not visas, as they once were for many travelers to Europe and America. The approval of ETIAS or ESTA is electronically connected to a passport, allowing the holder to visit the appropriate destination country. European and American authorities maintain a list of nations whose citizens are eligible to request travel authorization.
Around 60 countries are currently listed in the EU, while approximately 40 are listed in the American version. Most of the nations on the American listing are European countries, including the UK, which appears on both lists.
While a visa is a tangible document, an ETIAS or ESTA is an electronic linkage to a passport that may be scanned to check the validity of the ESTA or ETIAS application. This makes checking electronic authorization easier, faster, and more reliable than checking a visa.
Another benefit of electronic clearance is the rapidity with which a passport holder’s information can be verified and updated when circumstances change. Still, a visa’s status cannot be checked as quickly.
An applicant must complete an online registration form to receive an ETIAS or ESTA, which needs personal information, including facts about the criminal background or terrorist links and convictions.
ETIAS and ESTA Validity
An ESTA is currently required for entry into the United States. However, an ETIAS is not necessary for travel to Europe. This scenario will change in 2023 when travelers entering ETIAS nations without a visa will be required to get ETIAS.
As previously stated, the application process for both ESTA and ETIAS is quite similar, although there are differences in requirements, validity periods, and expenses.
ETIAS Requirements
- Applicants must have a recent, valid passport valid for at least three months after the trip dates.
- Holders can visit the European zone, but each 180-day term is limited to 90 days. The 90 days given may be used all at once or spread out across several journeys only if the total of 90 days is not exceeded.
- After the date of approval, the ETIAS is valid for three years.
ESTA Requirements
- The machine needs to be able to read your passport (e-passport) and should be valid for the duration of the stay in the US.
- ESTA holders are permitted to stay in the United States for 90 days, in one block or multiple visits, beginning on entry. Traveling to Canada, Mexico, and other neighbors is likewise subject to this restriction.
- An ESTA holder must specify on the registration form that they consent to biometric data collection by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
- Beginning on the approval date, the ESTA will expire in two years.
FAQ
Is ETIAS same as ESTA?
While an ESTA is a requirement to be eligible for the United States, it is not mandatory to have ETIAS in order to travel to Europe. In 2023, ETIAS will become mandatory for travelers who wish to travel to the ETIAS countries.
Does the US require ETIAS?
The Schengen Zone, a group of 26 countries that covers most of Europe, is currently open to U.S. citizens. They can enter for up 90 days for business or tourism purposes. All U.S. citizens who travel to 26 Schengen Zone countries in 2023 will have to register with ETIAS. Otherwise, they will be denied entry.
Do I need an ESTA for Europe?
At the moment, you do not need an ETIAS in order to enter Europe’s Schengen Area. As of November 2023, however, visa-exempt nationals will require approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System.
What is the difference between ETIAS and visa?
ETIAS, a new electronic travel authorization, is available to travelers who are currently able to travel to Europe without the need for a visa. For travelers who are not able to travel to EU countries, the Schengen Visa is required.
Who needs ESTA?
If you are a citizen of or a eligible national under the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply . You do not currently have a visitor’s Visa. You are traveling for less than 90 days.