Implementing the New Visa Waiver
The ETIAS visa waiver system was originally created in 2016 in response to terrorism
and growing international criminal activity, and was intended for a launch in
January 2021. Like many international processes, ETIAS was delayed because of the
COVID-19 crisis and its implementation was delayed until 2023
This delay has become a blessing rather than a curse, giving the EU the time to
build artificial intelligence systems. A significantly larger border force will
still be required to process the extra travellers, but AI will make their job a lot
easier, processing much of the data. The interference of human resources will only
be necessary if the system defines a particular traveller to be of concern.
These human resources will likely be more of a sticking point than the technology
and concerns have been raised that the EU will struggle to hire and train hundreds
more staff in advance of the 2023 launch. This is unlikely to cause delays to the
launch, but Saint Kitts and Nevisians should expect the impact to be at the border,
with understaffing extending queues.