How Will I Be Notified of the ETIAS Decision After Applying?

| December 3, 2021

During the ETIAS application process, you will be asked for some basic details, including your name, address, and travel information. You’ll also need to give them your email address, as that’s where they’ll send notification of their decision.

How Long Does The Decision Take?

The ETIAS application is automated. It’s designed to be quick, easy, and painless while delivering a rapid result. In most cases, you will be notified of an acceptance within a few minutes. In instances where the application has been rejected, requires further information, or has triggered a manual review, it may take between 72 and 96 hours.

When the application has been checked, reviewed, and finalized, it will be marked as one of the following:

Approved

It is expected that over 95% of ETIAS applications will be approved, at which point you will receive an email with all of the following information:

  • An ETIAS application number.
  • Clear approval of ETIAS travel authorization.
  • The dates through which the ETIAS will be valid (start and end).
  • A reminder that the applicant is required to take a valid passport with them at all times during their travel through the Schengen Zone.
  • A reminder that the maximum stay is limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Countries in which ETIAS authorization is valid.
  • A reminder of the terms and conditions to which the applicant must adhere.
  • Details of authorizing bodies and other agencies that can provide assistance should the applicant have any questions.
  • A secure link that will verify the active ETIAS and provide details such as the length of time that remains.

Refused

If the ETIAS application is denied, it will be clearly stated in the email, along with the reason it was denied. The refusal email will contain some of the same information as the acceptance email, including a clarification of the terms and conditions and your ETIAS status. It will also mention the following:

  • Details of why the ETIAS application was refused.
  • Information concerning your potential appeal and how long you have to submit it.
  • Information on where and how you can submit an appeal.
  • A mention of the ETIAS National Unit that refused the application.

Being refused an ETIAS application is not the end of the road, and you still have a few options. It all depends on the reason that it was refused.

If the refusal was the result of a mistake or omission during the application process, simply submit another application, ensuring that the information is correct and complete.

If it was refused because you were invited to an interview or asked to submit further details and did not reply, you may be able to repeat that process.

Annulled

Although your ETIAS should last for 3 years, it can be revoked at any point by one of the Schengen member states. The security officers of that state have the right to annul or revoke travel authorization for one of the following reasons:

  • Agents believe that the traveler poses a threat to the nation’s security
  • Information in the application has changed
  • An alert in the ETIAS security databases matches the traveler’s details
  • The applicant’s passport has been reported as stolen
  • The traveler has appeared on the ETIAS watchlist
  • There are reasons to suspect that the ETIAS was acquired through fraudulent means

The ETIAS system works through a series of connected databases that are constantly being updated by security forces across Europe. If your details are flagged at any point during that three-year period, your ETIAS may be revoked, at which point you will have to complete another application—and hope that it is approved—before you can return to the Schengen Zone.

Summary: Awaiting an ETIAS Decision

Once approved, your ETIAS visa waiver will remain valid for 3 years, or until the associated passport expires. It’s valid for stays of up to 90 consecutive days within any 180-day period. As a result, there’s no need to leave your application until the last minute.

It’s best to get this step out of the way nice and early, thus preventing any headaches near your date of departure.