7 things students need to know about ETIAS

From language courses to summer programmes, European schools and universities provide important short-term study opportunities for international students. Studying abroad is a great way to connect with people from different backgrounds, explore new cultures and enhance one’s language skills. It is important to know however, that starting from next year, students coming from visa-free countries will also need to comply with new travel requirements when joining a study programme in Europe.

What does this mean in practice? Below are seven key facts about the new ETIAS travel authorisation.

1. ETIAS will be required to enter and stay in 30 European countries. These include the 29 Schengen countries as well as Cyprus. Just make sure to get your ETIAS before starting the trip.
2. With ETIAS, you will be able to study in the 30 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer study programmes, you will need a student visa.
3. To apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation, you will need: a passport valid for more than 3 months and not older than 10 years; an email address; to fill out an online form; and to pay a fee of 7 euros.
4. There is only one official ETIAS website. This is where you can fill out the application form.
5. Your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use your ETIAS for multiple entries.
6. ETIAS is not a visa. Similar travel authorisations for visa-free travellers are required by countries such as the US (ESTA), Canada (eTA), Australia (ETA and eVisitor), and the UK (ETA).
7. Beware of scammers! There are over 100 unofficial ETIAS websites providing information about this new European travel authorisation. While some of these websites are probably run by legitimate businesses, others may be less trustworthy. If you decide to ask a third party to apply for an ETIAS on your behalf, make sure you choose an intermediary you trust.

What about long-term study stays? If you are a national from a visa-free country and you plan to study in a European country requiring ETIAS for more than 90 days, you will need a student visa.

Do you want to stay and travel in Europe after your student visa expires? You can remain in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to an additional 90 days without needing to leave and return. However, you need:

• a valid ETIAS travel authorisation from the moment your student visa expires; and
• to be registered in the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES registers visa-free and visa-required travellers entering the Schengen Area for a short stay. Specifically, it records the time and place of your entry and stores your facial image and fingerprints.

Registration in the EES usually takes place at the border. However, if you are staying for a short period after your student visa expires, you will need to request your registration in the EES to the authorities of the Member State where you are studying or those of the Member State to which you intend to travel. For more information on the EES, please visit these pages.

You will be able to verify the remaining days of your authorised stay on the official EES website after the system goes live.