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ETIAS: the new visa waiver for the Schengen Area

From 2022, Portugal will become even safer for tourists and residents. The launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) aims to boost border security and further reduce serious crime across Portugal and the rest of the Schengen Area.

ETIAS will be a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt third-country nationals soon after it is made available. From this point, all non-EU visitors shall undergo safety screening before entering Portugal or any of the other ETIAS countries.
Currently, travelers from places included on the EU’s list of visa-exempt nations can access the Schengen Area using just a valid passport. While this has provided quick and easy access to Europe, calls for greater security have led to the development of ETIAS.
ETIAS is not a visa, and individuals from visa-exempt nations will continue to enjoy the benefits of visa-free access from 2022 provided they register with the new system.

Which European countries require ETIAS?
The Schengen Area is a borderless travel zone made up of 26 European nations. The region includes top destinations, including Portugal, Germany, and Italy. Millions of tourists head to these hotspots annually; the ETIAS visa waiver aims to ensure potentially dangerous individuals cannot gain access.
ETIAS will also be necessary to go to several European microstates. One example is Monaco, as this landlocked nation does not have an airport it can only be accessed via France, a Schengen nation.

The benefits of travelling with ETIAS
Once the ETIAS visa waiver has been approved, it is linked automatically to the electronic chip inside the biometric passport. This means that, conveniently, there is no need for travelers to carry around a physical permit, the authorization is detected when the passport is scanned at border security.
It is important to bear in mind that having a valid ETIAS visa waiver does not guarantee access to Europe. It is an essential step in being granted entry; however, border officials have the final say.
Another advantage is that ETIAS is valid for the entire Schengen Area. Applicants are asked to indicate which country they intend to visit first but, once they have crossed the external Schengen border, the same permit can be used to go to each of the 26 countries on one trip or separate occasions.
The ETIAS visa waiver is valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires. Multiple trips to Europe can be made during this time, providing each stay does not exceed 90 days in a 6-month period.
The visa waiver is essential to enter European nations for tourism purposes, visiting family and friends, and for business trips. ETIAS will also be required to transit through the Schengen Area en route to a third country.

The Schengen visa for Europe
To work or study in Europe, or to stay for longer than 3 months, the relevant permit or visa should be obtained.
Travelers from non-EU countries that are not included on the EU’s visa exemption list cannot apply for ETIAS. Such individuals will continue to require Schengen visa for Europe. Like ETIAS, the same authorization can be used across the travel zone however, the application process is lengthier, and additional supporting documentation is requested.
Overall, the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) represents a positive change in EU entry requirements. While European nations are safe, the new process for screening overseas arrivals will help to boost safety, protect public health, and offer greater peace of mind for tourists and locals alike.


Portugal Residence Permit
Requirements

1. Non-criminal record;
2. Stay for 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two years thereafter;
3. 500,000 euros property investment;

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