The European Parliament has revealed that, from 2021, non-EU nationals who are exempt from visa requirements will have to receive authorisation before travelling to the EU.
The Parliament explains that the purpose of this screening is “to detect criminals, terrorists or anyone else posing a risk before they arrive in the EU”. This new authorisation could be put in place as soon as 2021, using the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. These plans were “adopted” by MEPs on 5 July 2018.
According to the Parliament, “regular travellers” should not suffer any inconvenience as a result of the screening.
Kinga Gál, the Hungarian EPP member, who is in charge of steering the proposal through Parliament, explained: “It will be an easy process… just an online check, which they can do prior to travelling to the EU.”
Currently, non-EU nationals who are exempt from visa requirements are checked at the Schengen border where they arrive and the decision to allow them entry is made by border guards “without knowing if the person is considered to be a risk.”
In 2020, the Parliament reveals, “39 million visa-free travellers from more than 60 countries are expected to visit the EU compared to 30 million in 2014.”
With the institution of the new system of authorisation, non-EU nationals exempt from visa requirements “will have to fill in an electronic form before travelling with travel documentation and personal data” and they will have to answer background questions about previous criminal records and “their presence in conflict zones”, among other issues.
“This will allow authorities to asses if someone could pose a risk well before they arrive at the Schengen border. If they do, they could be refused entry,” explains the European Parliament.
This authorisation will cost €7 ($8.1), will be free of charge for under 18s and over 70s, and is valid for 3 years.
The Parliament states that “the vast majority of applicants will get authorisation almost immediately”, that “Refusals must be justified”, and in each case the applicant has the right to appeal.
