Thursday, June 20, 2024 Starting in 2025, Hong Kong passport holders planning a trip to Europe will need to secure a new travel authorisation called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new system, designed to enhance security across the EU, is part of a broader initiative to streamline the entry process for travelers from visa-exempt countries while maintaining high standards of border protection. ETIAS is an automated IT system developed to screen visitors from visa-exempt countries before they travel to the Schengen Area.
This pre-travel authorisation system aims to identify any potential security, migration, or public health risks associated with travelers, thus making the border crossing smoother and more secure. According to Izabella Cooper, the media and outreach team leader from the ETIAS central unit division at the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the system will ensure that potential risks are evaluated well before travelers reach the border. “Normally, the stolen document database, visa information system or Europol database would be checked at the border by border guards,” Cooper explained.
“With ETIAS, any potential risks will be screened before travelling.” Key Features of ETIAS: For Hong Kong tourists planning to visit Europe in 2025 or beyond, obtaining ETIAS authorisation is a crucial step in the travel planning process. Here’s how you can apply: Travel and Tourism Planning: The introduction of ETIAS is expe.
