US citizens who have the right to visa-free entry into Europe will also have to register
As reported by 'Redaktion Germany', the new electronic control system for entry into European Union states will affect those citizens from third countries who currently do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area. This is approximately 30 million people from 60 countries worldwide. All these citizens will soon be required to undergo special registration before entering the EU, entering their data into the ETIAS system.
In essence, this is about the Europeans creating their own authorization system, which will operate similarly to the American one. For entry into the United States, EU citizens have long been required to fill out a special form and pay $14. As with the American registration system, the goal of the European program is to increase security measures in the EU and combat illegal migration.
The principle of operation of the new system, which, we emphasize, is not an analogue of an entry visa, is quite simple. Foreign citizens will still be able to freely enter the Schengen area, but before traveling they must undergo mandatory registration and pay a fee of €5. For persons under 18, a 'simple travel authorization' will be free. The authorization will be issued for a period of five years, and the authorization process via the internet or mobile app should take no more than ten minutes.
It is believed that the vast majority of applicants will receive automatic approval for entry into the EU. If the registration system cannot determine the outcome on its own, the application will be reviewed manually by the ETIAS Central Office or representatives of the Schengen area member states.
The new European system, costing up to €230 million, is to be launched on January 1, 2020. However, before that, it is still necessary to secure the approval of all EU member states. It is envisaged that access by competent EU authorities to the ETIAS system will be granted under clearly defined conditions. In particular, for the prevention, detection, or investigation of terrorism cases, as well as other serious criminal offenses. Access must be granted on a case-by-case basis and only after prior consultation.
The ETIAS Central Office will be established within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and its staff will work 24/7. National system offices will also be created in each European Union country.