The European Travel Information and Authorization System is known by its acronym, ETIAS. The European Union (EU) has introduced a new electronic travel authorization system to bolster security checks for travelers from nations currently free from needing a visa for brief visits to the Schengen Area.

Once the ETIAS is implemented in 2024, visitors from nations that do not require a visa—such as the US, Canada, Australia, and many others—will have to apply online for authorization before entering any country in the Schengen Zone.

The duration of the ETIAS authorization is three years; this allows holders to enter the EU several times for a total of 90 days over 180 days for tourism, transit, business, studying a short course within 90 days, attending meetings and conferences, and medical treatment. It takes a visa or other authorization to enter the Schengen Area and remain there for three months.

By screening visitors before they reach the borders of the Schengen Area, ETIAS aims to improve security. It will help authorities recognize security threats and refuse entry to anyone who would endanger security or public safety.

Travel laws and security protocols are changing in response to the ever-changing global environment to protect both citizens and tourists. This innovative method facilitates easier access, improves security, and creates more seamless travel experiences for citizens of nations that do not require a visa, such as Mexico.

How Mexican Citizens Can Apply for an ETIAS

For brief visits of up to 90 days, Mexican nationals have had visa-free access to the Schengen Zone for a long time. The 2024 launch of ETIAS denotes a change in the admissions procedure. Before leaving for Europe, visitors from visa-exempt countries, such as Mexico, must obtain an ETIAS permit. This electronic authorization is valid for three years, or until the passport used to complete the application process expires.

The ETIAS application procedure will be simple and intuitive. Mexican nationals who intend to enter the Schengen Zone can fill out the online application form on the official website, which will be operational upon the launch of ETIAS, by entering personal data, travel itinerary details, passport details, and background information.

Additionally, candidates will have to respond to several security-related queries. After submission, the system will evaluate the applicant’s eligibility and security risk by cross-referencing the data with other databases.

ETIAS applications undergo manual processing. Typically, most applications take 96 hours (4 days). However, certain applicants might receive requests from national authorities for additional information or documentation. In such instances, processing times may extend to two weeks or longer. Applicants will receive an email detailing the additional documents required for submission.

Mexican nationals who do not have an alternate travel permit and are awaiting a decision on their ETIAS application will not be allowed admission into the European Union. It is best to apply for ETIAS ahead of the planned trip to avoid any issues.

Requirements for ETIAS

A valid passport: Your passport should remain valid for a minimum of three months after departing the Schengen area. Additionally, your passport must contain a machine-readable section adjacent to your biometric information on the same page.

Travel Details: You’ll be required to provide details such as the initial country you intend to visit, your anticipated duration of stay, your flight information, accommodation arrangements, and any other pertinent information necessary.

Fee Payment: Applicants must pay the processing fee online with a credit or debit card to submit their ETIAS application.

The Cost of ETIAS for Mexican Citizens

The ETIAS cost is €7 for anyone 18 to 70 years old, or 131 Mexican pesos as of July 2023. There is no charge for applicants under the age of eighteen or those over seventy-five. You can pay with a debit card or a credit card. The application fee is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.

Countries that require Mexican citizens to have an ETIAS

All 30 EU Schengen member states will require an ETIAS for holders of Mexican passports to enter. These nations include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Since the UK is not a member of the EU, travelers are not required to have an ETIAS permit. Citizens of Mexico visiting the UK as tourists are not required to have a visa and can stay for up to six months.

For entry into other European nations outside of the EU, tourists from Mexico do not need to obtain an ETIAS permit. Albania, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia are all in this group of nations.

ETIAS for minors

Minors are required to have an ETIAS authorization if they are citizens of visa-exempt countries and are traveling to the Schengen Area. ETIAS applies to all travelers aged 18 and above. However, individuals under 18 are exempt from the ETIAS fee. Therefore, while minors need an ETIAS authorization, they do not need to pay the application fee.

ETIAS does not guarantee entry into the Schengen area

Possessing a valid ETIAS authorization does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. ETIAS authorization serves as a pre-screening process, allowing travelers from visa-exempt countries to visit Schengen Zone countries for short stays. 

However, border control authorities still retain the right to deny entry to individuals if they pose a threat to public security or health or if they fail to meet other entry requirements. Therefore, while ETIAS facilitates travel, the final decision regarding entry rests with the border authorities of the Schengen Area country you are attempting to enter.

ETIAS is not required if you already have a visa or resident permit

If you already have a valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen Area country, you do not need an ETIAS authorization to travel to other Schengen Zone countries. Your residence permit or visa permits you to travel within the Schengen Area for the duration and purposes specified in the document.

ETIAS is primarily required for travelers from visa-exempt countries who intend to visit Schengen Zone countries for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. If you hold a valid visa or residence permit, it serves as the authorization for your travel within the Schengen Area, and you do not need to obtain an ETIAS authorization separately.