Europe will demand visas and personal data from travelers starting in 2024, which is quite Orwellian.
Traveling to Europe? Get Ready for a New Application Process
Planning a trip to Italy, Spain, or France? Starting in 2024, all travelers heading to European Union countries will need to complete an online application before embarking on their journey. This new requirement, in addition to booking flights and accommodations and carrying a valid passport, aims to enhance security and streamline travel procedures.
The online application, part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will require travelers to provide personal information such as date and place of birth, home address, parents’ names, contact details, nationality, education, occupation, planned destinations, and criminal history.
A Controversial Move
Nile Gardiner, a former aide to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has criticized the new EU program, calling it “Orwellian.” He expressed concerns about the extensive amount of information being requested by EU officials, describing it as a form of big government overreach.
While most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, some may take up to four days or even 30 days. Once approved, the authorization will be valid for three years.
Potential Misuse and Inefficiency
Gardiner also raised concerns about the potential misuse of the system for political purposes. He suggested that EU officials might use it to restrict entry to individuals with differing political views. Additionally, he criticized the bureaucratic nature of the application process, predicting that it would be inefficient and discourage many U.S. citizens from traveling to Europe.
The EU justifies the implementation of this new system as a means to enhance security. According to the EU website, ETIAS will conduct pre-travel screenings of visa-free travelers to assess any potential security, illegal immigration, or public health risks.
Controversial and Unwelcome
Gardiner further argued that it is “ridiculous” to subject U.S. citizens to this application process, as the majority of them do not pose national security threats. He emphasized that the system could be misused and expressed doubts about the EU’s ability to handle it properly.
Despite the concerns raised, the EU is moving forward with the implementation of the ETIAS system, aiming to strike a balance between security and efficient travel procedures.
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