Do you intend to go yachting in the Balearic Islands or elsewhere in Europe’s Schengen Zone in the foreseeable future? These paradise islands just off Spain’s eastern coast offer endless opportunities to relax and get away from it all, whether you’re enjoying the bright blue skies and sounds of the waves near Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza or Formentera.
If so, it may interest you to learn that, depending on your nationality, from late 2022 you could require what’s called the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to travel to Spain and set sail in the Balearic Islands.
The ETIAS is the EU’s new visa waiver, and the authorities are introducing this to better track who’s entering and exiting Europe’s borders. Here are more details courtesy of online visa service Byevisa.
Brits and Americans Among Nationalities to Require ETIAS
To be specific, nationalities including Brits, Americans, Australians and Japanese who are currently exempt from requiring a travel authorisation to enter Spain will require the ETIAS once it comes into force next year.
Just like under current rules, you’ll be eligible to stay in Europe’s Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, giving you plenty of time to hoist anchor from Palma or Port de Pollença.
That said, with the ETIAS, you’ll have to apply online to receive your visa waiver in advance. Fortunately, the EU is taking steps to make this as straightforward as possible.
For example, since the ETIAS is online, you’ll be able to apply from any internet-connected device, whether that’s your computer, mobile or tablet. This is far more convenient than having to visit the nearest embassy to apply!
Moreover, to apply, you’ll just have to fill in a simple website form, and the waiver will cost €7 (although it’s free for adults over 70 or children under 18). You’ll only require a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry.
Also, once you acquire your ETIAS, it’s valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. So you won’t have to apply each time you decide to go yachting around Ibiza or Formentera, which is certainly a plus!
In addition, when you pass through customs on your way to Spain, you won’t even have to print your ETIAS or show it on your smartphone. This is because the visa waiver is electronically linked to your passport, saving you time and effort.
Schengen Visa to Remain for Chinese, Russians, Other Nationalities
It’s important to note that the EU’s new ETIAS visa waiver is only applicable for nationalities who up until now have been exempt from needing authorisation to enter Europe. Alternatively, if you’re yachting in the Balearic Islands from a country that already requires Europe’s other travel authorisation, namely the Schengen Visa, then this will remain the case.
To be specific, you’ll continue to require the Schengen Visa if you’re entering Spain or the rest of the EU from countries including China, Russia, India, South Africa or the Philippines.
Moreover, just like up until now, you’ll continue to attend your nearest Spanish embassy to attain your visa, and you’re allowed to visit for 90 days in a 180-day period.
So to summarise, the EU’s upcoming ETIAS adds a little bit of bureaucracy for some nationalities planning to go yachting in the Balearic Islands. On the bright side, though, the EU is taking steps to make attaining this visa waiver as easy as possible, while it’s best to be informed about these upcoming changes before they come into effect. Have a wonderful time sailing in Mallorca or one of the other islands!
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