ETIAS and Dual Citizenship: Will It Ruin Your Trip to Europe?

ETIAS and dual citizenship have become increasingly relevant topics for travelers worldwide. Starting in 2025, many travellers will need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before their trip to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is being implemented to strengthen security and streamline entry into the 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

For some, ETIAS will add an extra step and fee when planning a European vacation. However, with the right preparation, ETIAS doesn’t need to disrupt your travel plans. Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS and how to ensure smooth sailing on your next visit to Europe.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new travel authorisation system for Europe that will launch in 2025. It will require visitors from over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many Latin American and Asian nations, to complete an online application and pay a €7 fee before travelling to the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is a zone of 27 European countries that have officially abolished passports and all other types of border controls at their mutual borders.

The ETIAS application will collect basic personal information, travel details, and answers to health and security questions. Most applications will receive automated approval within minutes.

When Will I Get ETIAS Visa Approval?

However, if there are any red flags, manual review will be required which could take up to 96 hours.

An approved ETIAS will be valid for three years or a passport’s validity (whichever is sooner) and allow unlimited entries into the Schengen zone for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA program or the Canadian eTA. The EU is implementing this new requirement to improve security, reduce illegal immigration, and make entry faster and more efficient for legitimate travellers.

Over 95% of applicants are expected to receive quick approval.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Applying for ETIAS authorisation will be a simple online process, designed to be completed in about 10 minutes. Here are the steps:

1. Fill out the online application form with your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and background questions about your health and security status. The application will be available on the official ETIAS website.
2. Pay the €7 application fee with a debit or credit card.
3. Submit the application. It will then be checked across various security databases.
4. If approved, you’ll receive the ETIAS travel authorisation via email. You should print a copy to bring on your trip, though the authorisation will be electronically linked to your passport.
5. If denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason and have the right to appeal.

How Will ETIAS Impact My Europe Trip?

For many travellers, the main impact of ETIAS will simply be the extra application step and €7 fee before travelling to Europe. Travellers will need to complete the online form at least 96 hours before departure in case extra processing time is needed.

However, it’s recommended to apply at least three weeks in advance to allow ample time in case of any delays or denials. You cannot apply for ETIAS more than 6 months before your trip.

As long as you have a valid passport, have not previously been denied entry to Europe, and don’t have a criminal record, the odds of ETIAS approval are very high.

There’s no need to worry or drastically alter your European travel plans. Just be sure to add the ETIAS application to your planning checklist.

It’s important to note that ETIAS does not guarantee entry to the border. Travellers will still need to carry a passport and could be subject to further questioning by border control.

ETIAS also doesn’t affect visa requirements for those looking to study, work, or stay longer than 90 days in Europe. However, for the vast majority of leisure and business travellers, an approved ETIAS will be all that’s needed for smooth entry into Europe.

Will ETIAS Impact Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Passport Holders?

One group of travellers that will be impacted by the new ETIAS requirement is holders of Caribbean citizenship by investment (CBI) passports.

Currently, citizens of countries like St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Dominica enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

However, once ETIAS launches in 2025, these CBI passport holders will need to obtain an ETIAS just like other third-country nationals.

This new requirement could diminish one of the key benefits of Caribbean CBI programs – hassle-free travel to Europe. Individuals who invested in a second citizenship primarily for this visa-free Schengen access may feel the extra ETIAS step negates this advantage – except it doesn’t.

Considering that CBI passport holders have undergone rigorous due diligence to obtain their passports, they will not have any trouble passing an ETIAS check, so in theory, anyone with a CBI passport can easily obtain ETIAS approval.

The ETIAS application process is relatively quick and affordable compared to obtaining a Schengen visa.

Ultimately, while ETIAS may be an inconvenience, it likely won’t significantly impact the value of Caribbean CBI for most investors. The passport benefits, coupled with the potential for a second home in a beautiful and tax-advantage jurisdiction, still make Caribbean citizenship an attractive option for many.

If visa-free access specifically to the Schengen Area is a top priority though, it may be worth considering one of the European golden visas or citizenship by investment programs instead.

Benefits of Having European Residency or Citizenship to Bypass ETIAS

While ETIAS will make travelling to Europe slightly more complex for some, there is a way to bypass the ETIAS requirement altogether: obtaining European residency or citizenship.

With legal resident status or a second passport from a European country, you can enjoy unlimited access to the Schengen Area without needing to obtain an ETIAS or adhere to the 90/180-day stay limits.

European residency or citizenship offers many other benefits beyond freedom of movement:

• Access to world-class European healthcare and education systems
• Ability to live and work anywhere in the EU
• Potential tax advantages
• Access to EU business and investment opportunities
• Improved global mobility with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries (with citizenship)
• Option to pass citizenship on to future generations

What is The Fastest Route to European Residency or Citizenship?

For high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and their families, the fastest route to European residency or citizenship is often through investment. Many countries in Europe offer golden visa programs that grant residency or even citizenship rights to those who make a significant investment in the country’s economy.

What are The Most Popular Residency and Citizenship Programs?

Portugal Golden Visa Program

• Obtain residency with a €500K for investment funds
• Highly flexible program with minimal stay requirements
• Pathway to Portugal citizenship after five years as a resident

Greece Golden Visa

• Obtain residency with a €250K real estate investment
• One of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe
• Greece Residence permit covers spouse and children
• Pathway to citizenship after seven years of living in Greece

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

• Obtain permanent residency in Malta in just 4-6 months
• Requires a minimum investment of €150K (minimum outlay, including lease)
• Permanent residence in an EU country with a warm Mediterranean climate and English-speaking population

Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MCESDI)

• Obtain Maltese citizenship in 12-36 months
• Requires a non-refundable contribution of €600K-€750K and purchase or rent of real estate
• Maltese passport offers visa-free access to many global destinations including Schengen countries and USA.

Get Help from Residency and Citizenship Experts

At Savory & Partners, we specialise in helping clients find the right residency or citizenship by investment program for their specific situation.

As one of the world’s leading firms in the investment migration industry, we’ve helped hundreds of international investors secure the benefits of a second residency or citizenship in Europe and beyond.

Our bespoke services include:

• Determining which European programs best fit your unique needs and goals
• Providing detailed guidance on the application process and investment requirements
• Connecting you with trusted real estate, tax, and legal advisors in your target country
• Managing your application from start to finish to achieve your desired outcome as efficiently as possible

With experienced advisors and an extensive network of industry contacts in Europe and globally, we offer unparalleled expertise and personalised service to give you peace of mind throughout the residency or citizenship acquisition process.

If you’re considering European residency or citizenship by investment as a way to simplify Schengen Area travel or gain other benefits for yourself and your family, we would be happy to offer a free initial consultation to discuss your options.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support to make the best decision for your specific situation.

What’s Next?

While ETIAS certainly doesn’t need to ruin a trip to Europe, it will add an extra requirement for many travellers starting in 2025. If you frequently travel to the Schengen Area or are looking for a long-term base in Europe, obtaining residency or citizenship could be a worthwhile consideration.