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> (and the ETSA is already enough of a hassle) I don't get this part? Can you clarify what part is a hassle? ESTA just seems great to me: fill a form online an

by Joky 10y ago

> (and the ETSA is already enough of a hassle) I don't get this part? Can you clarify what part is a hassle? ESTA just seems great to me: fill a form online and get (most of the time) an "immediate tourist visa". When you're from a country that isn't in the ESTA program, then it can be a hassle! You don't really get a visa, but an approval for visa exemption I believe.

frio 10y ago
You're right -- the concept is great :). Last time I got an ESTA, however, the site was somewhat byzantine, chock-full of confusing legalese and the response was slow. Comparatively, to get into Europe for 90 days we just have to arrive (https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/travel-tips-travel-europe https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/travel-tips-travel-europe) -- same goes for Canada. However, after checking, it does seem like the site has improved a lot. It's been a while :).
- emilyfm 10y ago
  Canada does require advance authorisation to arrive by air, the ETA (CA$ 7 online). http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
  - frio 10y ago
    So it does; thanks! I didn't see any indication that existed on the various NZ government sites about travelling. That would've made for an unfortunate arrival.
- germanier 10y ago
  The European Union will introduce a similar system, ETIAS, soon. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/european-agenda-security/fact-sheets/docs/20161116/factsheet_-_etias_en.pdf https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/wh... The whole concept goes against the concept of visa-free travel. No matter what they are termed those are effectively – usually automatically processed – visa against the spirit of bilateral visa-free agreements. It used to be that you can turn up at the border to apply for entry there instead of beforehand. Those "travel authorizations" are a step back. Not to mention all the data footprint that this process creates additionally.

by Joky 10y ago

frio 10y ago

You're right -- the concept is great :). Last time I got an ESTA, however, the site was somewhat byzantine, chock-full of confusing legalese and the response was slow. Comparatively, to get into Europe for 90 days we just have to arrive (https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/travel-tips-travel-europe https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/travel-tips-travel-europe) -- same goes for Canada. However, after checking, it does seem like the site has improved a lot. It's been a while :).

emilyfm 10y ago
Canada does require advance authorisation to arrive by air, the ETA (CA$ 7 online). http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
- frio 10y ago
  So it does; thanks! I didn't see any indication that existed on the various NZ government sites about travelling. That would've made for an unfortunate arrival.
germanier 10y ago
The European Union will introduce a similar system, ETIAS, soon. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/european-agenda-security/fact-sheets/docs/20161116/factsheet_-_etias_en.pdf https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/wh... The whole concept goes against the concept of visa-free travel. No matter what they are termed those are effectively – usually automatically processed – visa against the spirit of bilateral visa-free agreements. It used to be that you can turn up at the border to apply for entry there instead of beforehand. Those "travel authorizations" are a step back. Not to mention all the data footprint that this process creates additionally.