September 11th, 2023
Impact [Medium]
Summary of this important reminder
As from 2024, travelers from 50 countries, amongst which Brazil and other countries in the region, will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before travelling to any country in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days. The ETIAS will be adopted based on security concerns and to enable countries in the European Union to conduct a more efficient border management.
Current situation and what is the alteration about
Currently, tourists and business travelers originating several countries, including Brazil and Uruguay, are exempt from an entry visa towards the Schengen Zone countries during trips lasting up to 90 days of stay.
Nonetheless, effective 2024, although those individuals will remain being exempted from an entry visa, they will have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS) prior to their travel, otherwise they could have their entry denied. The application process is straight forward since the individual should provide some basic personal information. Once filed, it is predicted that ETIAS will be issued within a few minutes and it will be valid for up to 3 years or up to the validity of the passport (if less than 3 years).
It is worth noting that ETIAS is not equivalent to a visa. Therefore, individuals who are required an entry visa to enter any country of the Schengen Zone, will remain being so requested. Similarly, those nationals from visa-exempt countries that intend to remain in the referred Zone for a period longer than 90 days, will also be required to obtain a corresponding visa in advance.
Contact us
Flavia Fernandes – Immigration, Employment, Social Security and Tax Partner (flavia.fernandes@vialto.com)
André Sousa – Manager (andre.nsousa@vialto.com)
Antonieta Mosquera – Senior Manager (antonieta.mosquera@vialto.com)
Patrícia Kater – Senior Manager (patricia.kater@vialto.com)
Renata Araújo – Senior Manager (renata.araujo@vialto.com)