Clarificación del Sistema Europeo de Información y Autorización de Viajes

In November 2016, the Commission proposed to create a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to strengthen security of travel to the Schengen area under visa-free agreements. The ETIAS will carry out pre-travel screening for security and migration risks of visa-exempt visitors. This will help to identify any possible security concerns prior to their travel to the Schengen area, thus contributing to more efficient management of the EU’s external borders and improved internal security.

It will apply to visa-exempt non-EU citizens. That also includes the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
• It will save travellers time and hassle
• It will improve border management
• It will reinforce the fight against crime & terrorism
• It will complement the EU's visa liberalisation policy
• It will prevent irregular migration.

Overall, ETIAS will make travel safer and easier for visitors and EU member-states.

The ETIAS authorisation is not a visa. Nationals of visa liberalisation countries will continue to travel the EU without a visa but will simply be required to obtain travel authorisation via ETIAS prior to their travel.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  The planned entry into operation of ETIAS is the end of 2022, and NOT 2021.  The relevant EU websites are in the process of being updated to reflect this date change. 

The public is advised to please refer to official European Union websites for up-to-date information on ETIAS and travel to the EU Schengen area in general.

More information:
FACTSHEET:
https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/european-agenda-security/20180425_etias_en.pdf

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION:
https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/trinidad-and-tobago/762/travel-and-study-involving-trinidad-and-tobago-and-eu_en