MALAYSIANS planning to travel to countries in the European Union (EU) next year will be required to obtain an European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), an online travel authorisation document.

According to the Etias official website, the document will be linked to the traveller’s passport.

The authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport’s expiry.

Once the passport expires, travellers must obtain a new Etias travel authorisation.

“With a valid Etias travel authorisation, one can enter the territory of these European countries as often as they want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period.

“However, the document does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, a border guard will ask to see the traveller’s passport and other documents, and verify that entry conditions have been met,” it said.

Each application would cost €7 (RM36) and can be made through the EU’s Etias website or via the system’s mobile app.

According to the EU, most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to four days for a decision.

This could be extended by up to 14 days if the traveller is requested to provide additional information or documentation, or even up to 30 days if they are invited to an interview.

“This is why you should apply for an Etias travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey,” it said.

Etias travel authorisation will be required from 2024 to enter Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Further details may be found on the EU’s official Etias website.

Currently, Malaysia passport holders are exempted from having a visa when visiting most EU countries. – June 29, 2023.