THE European Union (EU) has announced additional restrictions for Malaysians planning to travel to 30 EU nations beginning next year.
Malaysia is one of 63 countries that do not require a visa to access most European countries.
Visitors must, however, seek travel authorisation from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) beginning in 2024, which will be linked to their passports.
The authorisation will be valid for three years, or until the passport expires, according to the EU’s official ETIAS website. When a traveller’s passport expires, they must obtain a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
“With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period.
“However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions,” it said.
Each application costs €7 and can be submitted via the EU’s ETIAS website or the system’s mobile app.
Moreover, the EU also noted that most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to four days for a decision.
“Please note that this could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview.
“This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.”
ETIAS travel authorisation will be required from 2024 to enter Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, 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. – June 29, 2023
