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EU to establish information system for visa-free travelers

Xinhua, November 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

The European Commission on Wednesday said it proposed to establish a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to strengthen security checks on visa-free travelers.

The ETIAS will gather information on all those traveling visa-free to the European Union (EU), which will contribute to the management of the EU's external borders and improve internal security, according to an EU press release.

The European Commission's First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: "ETIAS will close an information gap by cross-checking visa exempt applicants' information against all our other systems."

European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Dimitris Avramopoulos said: "ETIAS is the missing link in our border management, connecting the dots with our migration and security policies and enhancing Schengen entry for at least 95 percent of visa-free travelers."

Nationals of visa liberalization countries will still be able to travel without a visa but will have to obtain a simple travel authorization prior to their travel to the Schengen Area.

The ETIAS will be managed by the European Border and Coast Guard in close cooperation with the competent authorities of the member states and Europol, the EU's police agency. Endit