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ETIAS applies to all travelers to the EU from all visa-free countries. So it isn't a "punishment" for US specifically. It is a generic change to how EU handles
by tapppi 8y ago
ETIAS applies to all travelers to the EU from all visa-free countries. So it isn't a "punishment" for US specifically. It is a generic change to how EU handles visa-free travel. One might argue that e-visas (which the ETIAS is) are bad for free movement of people in general. In my opinion if ETIAS (and similar systems in other countries) make traditional visas move toward obsolescence by allowing traditional-visa-free travel, it is a good stepping stone to "more free" movement.
True free movement would then be reciprocal, i.e. EU-US travel would not require either ESTA or ETIAS. Basically that would mean US would be part of Schengen Area or a new similar structure.
The discord about US requiring visas from 5 EU countries is a separate issue that might bring other actual "tit for tat" measures if not resolved.
- benj111 8y agoVisas don't have to apply to all nations. The same would seem to be true of ETIAS. So the principle still stands. Why increase barriers to those wanting to travel to the the EU? Yes the stated reasons (illegal immigration, security) will apply to many countries, but that shouldn't be the default. The default should be unencumbered travel, unless there's been shown to be a good reason why that shouldn't be the case.
- Scoundreller 8y agoThe US’ ESTA system exempts Canadians. So such systems are definitely capable of picking and choosing.