PETALING JAYA: Starting next year, all Malaysians will have to obtain an online document known as ETIAS before entering any of the European Union or Schengen member countries.
According to the Schengen Visa Info website, Malaysians will need to apply for the ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
Malaysian passport holders currently have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Zone, which comprises 27 countries that function as one joint area when it comes to travel.
“Malaysians must have an ETIAS to visit the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, 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.
“Malaysians will also need an ETIAS to visit the following European microstates with open borders: Monaco (via France), San Marino (via Italy) and Vatican City (via Italy),” according to the website.
The application, which must be done online, will cost €7 (RM36) for all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70, while minors and applicants over 70 years old will receive an ETIAS free of charge.
The ETIAS is valid for three years, during which time multiple trips can be made.
With an ETIAS, Malaysians can stay in Europe for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
The ETIAS is not a visa requirement and is only meant to keep a record of who enters and leaves the Schengen Zone.
Malaysians are reminded that the ETIAS is only a short-term entry permit, meant for tourism, leisure visits or business trips.
They are not required to purchase a travel insurance policy to enter any ETIAS member countries.
The ETIAS application can be assessed via the official ETIAS website or mobile app, which will be launched when ETIAS is operational.
During the application, information such as email address, Malaysian passport details and personal details such as name, age, nationality, sex, contact information and occupation must be filled in.
The €7 application fee must be paid via credit or debit card at the time of application.
“The application process takes about 10 minutes, and you should receive your ETIAS within minutes of submission,” said the website.
It also warned Malaysians to only apply through the official channels, adding that it was not necessary to apply via private agents.
Starting next year, Malaysians will need to show their ETIAS authorisation at the Schengen Zone border along with their valid passport, evidence of entry purpose, and supporting documents such as a hotel reservation or invitation for a business meeting, as well as proof of sufficient financial means. - Star
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