Travelling to EU Countries Just Got Harder for M’sians Starting Jan 2020, Here’s Why

Soon, Malaysians may not freely enter EU countries even with our visa-free privilege, particularly the Schengen area. The horror!

Source: etias visa

This is because by 2020, a new application system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will be introduced in order to protect and strengthen the EU’s external border. The ETIAS is an effort to curb the recent terrorist attacks and uncontrolled migration flows in the EU.

How will it do that, you ask?

Well, the ETIAS will assess the eligibility of visa-free travellers through an advanced IT system that will check for the potential security and health risks that could be caused by an applicant.

Thus, it will thoroughly check every application using various EU security databases like the Schengen Information System, the Entry/Exit System, Europol, and Interpol databases before approving an applicant. So, this will prevent any dangerous or unauthorized people from entering the EU.

However, this system only applies to 60 countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.

Source: etias visa

Now, if you’re wondering how to apply for this visa, here’s how.

The application is available online and requires no longer than 10 minutes per person to complete. Not time consuming at all! 

All you have to do is pay a small fee of 5 pounds (approx. RM27) and present your biometric passport whilst applying. FYI, this visa is only applicable to one person, so your parents or siblings cannot share the same visa.

Note: Those under 18 and over 60 years old, family members of EU citizens, students, and researchers travelling for academic purposes are exempted from paying the processing fee. Yay!

Ergo, since, you are a visa-waivered applicant, you will need to provide the following details;

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Current address
• Parents’ information
• Passport and other nationality details

Besides that, you will also need to answer questions related to;

• Drug abuse
• Criminal history
• Employment history
• Past European travel information (valid for six months)
• Security information

Source: the star

Finally, make sure you provide only truthful answers to all the questions because any false or misleading information provided could result in your application being denied. Don’t want that to happen, do you?

Hence, once you’re done with your application and registration, you will have to wait for an approval. Also, it’s advisable to apply for this visa a few days prior to your travels.

After it is approved, you’d be eligible to obtain an ETIAS visa, which will be valid for three years (or until travel documents expire). However, if your application is denied, don’t worry because you will be informed of the reasons for it being denied. Not only that, you’d also be given solutions on how to solve the visa issue, including judicial recourse. You won’t be left in the dark! 

However, do note that ETIAS is not a regular entry visa. You’ll still get to enjoy the visa-free privilege but you just need to get authorised first before roaming freely in the Schengen area.

With that said, this system is only applicable starting January 2020; as for now, you can still visit the Schengen area visa-free without going through the system. So, take note in the near future! 

Also read: Adventurous Malaysians Can ‘Race’ Around Europe for FREE, But Here’s the Twist