Mexicans will need travel authorization to visit European Union

Traveling to Europe will not be as easy as getting on a plane; in a few years Mexican citizens will need prior authorization to cross the Atlantic.

The European version of the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will apply to visitors from 60 ‘visa-waiver’ countries, including Mexico. 

"It's not a visa system, it's a security system. But if Mexico wants to implement a similar system for member countries of the European Union, we do not see any inconvenience, each country is free to choose the best system to ensure the safety of travelers,” a senior official of the European Commission told El UNIVERSAL.

The European Commission has proposed to the Parliament and Council to approve the electronic travel authorization system to determine who is eligible to enter the European Union.

If approved, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will start in 2020.

Currently, Mexicans require only their passport to visit a member country of the European Union, they only require a visa if they intend to stay longer than three months.

The €5-travel document will be valid for five years and for multiple trips.