(First published on August 13, 2024)
Planning a trip to Europe in 2025? Whether you’re looking to visit Italy, France, or the Netherlands, there’s an important travel update you need to know about: the ETIAS visa requirement.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new system introduced by the European Union for travellers from visa-exempt countries. While TrinBagonians have been able to travel to the Schengen Area visa-free in the past, ETIAS will change how we enter these countries starting in late 2026.
It’s understandable if you’re scratching your head about what ETIAS actually is and how it affects your travel plans.
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway to Paris or a more extensive Euro trip, this post will explain the ETIAS process, what you need to do, and how to prepare for the upcoming changes.
What is ETIAS? A Quick Breakdown
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a visa waiver that will allow citizens of visa-exempt countries (like Trinidad and Tobago) to travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Essentially, it’s not a visa but a travel authorisation, meaning it’s much quicker and easier to apply for compared to a traditional visa.
The system was designed to enhance security and border control, ensuring that travellers entering the Schengen Area don’t pose a risk to European countries. The process is expected to be simple and digital, involving filling out an online application form and paying a small fee.
So, what’s the difference between an ETIAS and Schengen Visa?
Now that you know ETIAS is coming in 2026, let’s take a step back and understand exactly what ETIAS is and how it compares to a Schengen visa.
- ETIAS: ETIAS is NOT a visa, but rather a travel authorisation system that allows travellers from visa-exempt countries (like Trinidad and Tobago) to visit the Schengen Area countries. The main difference is that ETIAS is an online application and approval process, designed to improve security and track travellers.
- Schengen Visa: A Schengen visa, on the other hand, is a traditional visa that requires you to go through a more extensive application process. This includes submitting documents, attending an interview, and providing additional travel and financial details. The Schengen visa is usually required for longer stays (over 90 days) or for non-visa-exempt travellers.
In short, ETIAS will be a much easier process than applying for a traditional Schengen visa, making it more convenient for TrinBagonians travelling to Europe. You’ll still need to apply for ETIAS, but the process will be much more streamlined and quicker compared to a traditional visa.
What are the Schengen Member Countries?
Full Schengen Member Countries
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on Schengen Agreement
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Future Schengen Member Countries
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Romania
European Microstates With Open Borders
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
What Does ETIAS Mean for TrinBagonians?
As a TrinBagonian passport holder, you’ve always enjoyed the freedom of visa-free travel to European countries in the Schengen Area. That’s set to change with ETIAS. While you won’t need a traditional visa, you’ll still need to apply for ETIAS approval.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Simple Application Process: The application is online, taking just a few minutes to fill out. You’ll need to provide basic details (passport info, travel plans, etc.), and answer a few questions related to your travel history.
- Cost: Expect a small fee of approximately €7 (about USD 7.60), which is a far cry from the high costs of traditional visas.
- Validity: Your ETIAS will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. This means you can travel to Europe multiple times during this period without needing to reapply.
- Automatic Approval: In most cases, you’ll receive immediate approval. However, you should apply at least 72 hours before departure just to be safe.
The Impact of ETIAS on Your Travel Plans
While ETIAS may feel like an extra hoop to jump through, it’s a small price to pay for maintaining visa-free access to Europe. The main takeaway here is that, while the process is a bit different, it won’t be as complicated or expensive as a traditional visa.
For now, keep in mind that the requirement doesn’t go into effect until 2026. But starting in 2025, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the inevitable—especially if you’ve got a trip to Europe on your radar for the next few years.
Getting Ready for ETIAS
As a TrinBagonian passport holder, ETIAS may not be a deal-breaker, but it is a change you need to prepare for. With its easy, online application and low fee, it’s far less of a hassle than the traditional visa process.
So, while we wait for ETIAS to roll out in late 2026, keep your passport in good shape, make sure you’re ready for the application process, and I’ll continue to share updates here about the programme.
Remember: while ETIAS is just one more step in the travel process, it’s still a step toward easier and safer exploration of Europe—and that’s something we can all look forward to.
For more information on ETIAS guidelines and applications for TrinBagonian citizens, visit their website.
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