QnA Schengen Visa
What is the exact difference between the upcoming ETIAS and a Schengen visa?
Outbound Team
The upcoming ETIAS and a Schengen visa are completely different — they serve different travellers, have different requirements, and offer different levels of access.
Here’s the simplest and clearest way to understand the difference 👇
🛂 1. Purpose & Who Needs It
Schengen Visa (Type C)
For nationalities that require a visa to enter Schengen.
Examples: India, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria.
You apply at an embassy → provide documents → get a visa sticker.
ETIAS (starting in 2025)
For visa-exempt travellers who currently enter Schengen without a visa.
Examples: Singaporeans, Malaysians, Japanese, Americans, Australians.
ETIAS is not a visa — it is a pre-travel authorisation.
📄 2. Application Process
Schengen Visa
You must:
• Submit documents
• Attend biometrics
• Provide financial proof
• Show itinerary & accommodation
• Prove travel purpose
• Pay €90 visa fee
Processing time: 15–45 days
Decision made by embassy officers.
ETIAS
You simply:
• Apply online
• Provide passport details
• Answer security questions
• Pay €7 (likely)
Processing: minutes or hours
Decision made by an automated system.
⏳ 3. Validity and Stay
Schengen Visa
• Allows short stays up to 90 days
• Valid for the duration decided by the embassy
• May be single, double, or multiple-entry
ETIAS
• Valid for 3 years (or until passport expires)
• Multiple entries allowed
• You can stay 90 days in any 180-day period
Just like current visa-exempt rules.
🌍 4. Who Still Needs a Schengen Visa?
If you needed a visa before ETIAS existed → you still need a visa.
ETIAS does not change visa requirements.
🌐 5. Is ETIAS replacing the Schengen visa?
❌ No.
ETIAS does not replace any visa category.
It only adds a new step for visa-exempt travellers.
💡 Outbound Singapore Tip
If you’re from a visa-exempt country (like Singapore or Malaysia), ETIAS will simply become part of your future travel routine — similar to ESTA for the US.
If you’re from a visa-required country, you’ll still need a full Schengen visa, and our team will help you prepare a complete and compliant application.