Starting in May 2025, Seychellois travelers, along with those from other visa-free countries, will need to get prior authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before heading to the Schengen Area. This is quite a change for Seychelles since we’ve been enjoying visa-free travel to Europe for so long!
In case you didn’t know, the Schengen Area includes several European countries that have done away with passports and other types of border checks at their borders, allowing people to move freely between them, almost like they’re a single country. Most of the countries in the European Union (EU), plus a few non-EU countries, are part of this area.
ETIAS is a new electronic entry system from the EU to beef up border security and make the entry process smoother for people visiting the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area has 27 countries, including popular spots like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This new requirement is part of the EU’s efforts to boost security and manage potential risks from travelers who don’t need a visa to get in.
For us Seychellois, needing to get ETIAS means we’ll have to plan a bit more before hopping on a plane to Europe. Although ETIAS isn’t a visa, it will be a required step before you travel. The good news is that the process is supposed to be pretty simple—you just fill out an online form with some basic info, like your personal details, passport information, and answer a few security questions. Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, but it’s still a good idea to apply well ahead of your trip just in case.
Once you’ve got the ETIAS authorization, it’s good for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, which is basically the same as the current visa-free travel rules. Plus, it’s valid for multiple trips over three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
This change is a big deal for many Seychellois who are used to just grabbing their passports and heading off to Europe. The whole point of ETIAS is to improve security in the Schengen Area by checking out travelers from visa-free countries before they even get to the EU’s borders. This pre-screening is meant to identify any potential security risks, prevent illegal immigration, and reduce the chances of crime and terrorism.
Even though the ETIAS application process should be straightforward, it does add another step for us. So, if you’re used to booking last-minute trips, you might need to adjust a bit. The EU has stressed that ETIAS isn’t meant to be a hassle, but rather a tool to make travel safer and more secure within the Schengen Area. It’s supposed to complement the current visa-free arrangements and help make entering Europe more efficient for both travelers and border authorities.
There will be a website with detailed instructions and FAQs to help guide you through the ETIAS process. Keep an eye out for any updates or changes as we get closer to the launch date!
