MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Europe will impose tougher rules for visa exempt non-EU nationals
ETIAS, which should be operational in 2021, was passed with 494 votes in favor, 115 against and 30 abstentions. It refers to travelers from some 60 countries Non-EU nationals exempt from visa requirements will have to get an authorization before travelling to the EU, under new rules backed by the European Parliament (EP) on Thursday.
According to a press release issued by the European Parliament, the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which should be operational in 2021, was passed with 494 votes in favor, 115 against and 30 abstentions.
“The ETIAS will bridge the existing information gap on visa-free travelers, by assessing whether they constitute a security, illegal migration or high epidemic risk before they arrive at the external border,” Kinga Gal, Parliament’s rapporteur told members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
“This new system will significantly contribute to enhancing security for EU citizens. It is therefore an important step forward towards stronger and smarter information systems for borders and security,” Gal added.
Under the new rules, travelers from more than 60 countries and territories exempt from visa requirements will face advanced checks and those considered to pose a security, irregular migration or epidemic risk will be denied access.
The authorization will cost 7 Euros and will be valid for 3 years and travelers will have to answer questions on criminal record and trips to conflict zones.
The legislation will have to be formally adopted by the Council of Ministers and then published in the Official Journal.
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Read all commentsWe never needed a visa to visit Europe before joining the EU, it seems like spite to suddenly demand one now. And it's totally hypocritical to refuse us free entry to the EU but insist EU citizens have free entry to Britain. Our government should not agree to that.
Jul 07th, 2018 - 12:22 pm +2I assume this will NOT apply to travel to Ireland, since they claim they want an open border? I hope our government are ready to implement a reciprocal system once Brexit happens; this seems like a good time to stick to holidays in the UK anyway.
Jul 06th, 2018 - 08:40 am 0I see nothing wrong with this new system. It is pretty much what Australia invented and has operated since 1996 that has now successfully been copied around the world.
Jul 07th, 2018 - 02:01 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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