The European Travel Information and Authorization System will enter into force from 2021 and involves requesting an authorization to enter that space and payment of seven euros. It will apply for 15 Latin American countries.

The European Commission approved a new requirement for people who want to enter the Schengen area. This is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which applies to nationals of visa-free countries such as Colombia and 14 other countries in Latin America.

ETIAS must electronically complete the travel request and pay seven euros. The data presented in each application will be automatically checked against the databases of the European Union and others, such as Interpol, to determine if there are reasons to deny the travel authorization. If the application is approved, the person will receive the authorization directly via email.

But, if in the contrast with the databases there is an element that must be analyzed in depth, the study will be done manually by the competent authorities. In these cases, in 96 hours the applicant will know if the entry permit was approved or denied. The European Commission explained before boarding, air and sea carriers will have the obligation to verify that those who require ETIAS have it. And this travel authorization will be valid for three years or until the end of the validity of the travel document registered during the application, if this date is earlier.

It is expected that this system will start operating in the year 2020. It was reported that now that the agreement has been confirmed on behalf of the Council by the permanent representatives of the European Union, the Regulation will be forwarded to the European Parliament for a vote at first reading, and subsequently to the Council for its adoption.

In Latin America, citizens who must comply with this requirement are nationals of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Colombia.