In an interview for Deutsche Welle, the EU Commissioner for Internal Matters, Dimitris Avramopoulos, explained that the European Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS) doesn’t mean that the visas are back.
His message was for Western Balkan countries, who have special interest on the new measures of the Schengen area.
Brussels considers the visa free regime as historic steps, as regards Balkan, and it will not be contested by these additional inspections.
“Western Balkan is a very important region, close partner of the European Union. Our purpose is to preserve this closeness. These measures only want to make it easier for movement, and for quicker contact between EU and regional citizens”, Avramopoulos declared.
He explains that the new EITAS system was proposed one year ago, with the purpose to improve the European border administration and emigration. EITAS will be used for everyone who travels to the Schengen area, even Canada and USA.
Citizens will have to fill a form on the internet, writing down their personal data and contacts. Filling this information will take 10 minutes, while taxes will be paid electronically. The request will be valid for three years, will cost 10 Euros and it will take 72 hours for the reply.
Top Channel
