EU Commission Issues Warning to International Students About ETIAS
The European Union Commission has issued a warning to international students planning to study in EU/Schengen Area countries about the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to launch in the first half of 2025.
European higher education institutions offer short-term study opportunities for students worldwide and continue to be among the most popular destinations.
While the general procedures for students entering the EU for study purposes will remain unchanged, some international students must be prepared to comply with a new travel requirement.
Starting next year, students from countries that are permitted visa-free entry to the EU will need to apply for an ETIAS when joining a study programme in the bloc.
All students in this category must ensure they obtain their ETIAS before departing to pursue their studies in the EU.
With an ETIAS, students can stay in the territory of 30 European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for study purposes.
"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," stated the EU Commission.
For students enrolled in study programmes longer than 90 days, a student visa will be required.
Requirements for Applying for an ETIAS
To apply for an ETIAS authorisation, students from visa-free countries need a passport valid for more than three months and not older than ten years. Additionally, they must have an email address, fill out the online form, and pay the €7 fee.
Students are warned to use only the official ETIAS website to avoid scammers.
Once obtained, the ETIAS document, which will be linked to the passport, will remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Applications for an ETIAS can be made multiple times.
It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa.
For students staying longer in the EU and who obtain a student visa, the ETIAS will be useful if they wish to extend their stay. Once the student visa expires, students can remain in the European countries requiring ETIAS for an additional 90 days without needing to leave and return. However, they must also be registered in the Entry/Exit System (EES) launching this November.
In addition to students, all other foreign nationals permitted visa-free entry to the EU will also need to apply for an ETIAS authorisation.