The Estonia e-Residency is an innovative new way for citizens of select jurisdictions to establish a digital presence in Estonia. As part of the program, eligible holders can apply to have their biographic data uploaded and stored on a secure Estonian platform.
This document provides ETIAS applicants with information about the steps they need to take in order to apply and ensure their application is complete. It also includes answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ETIAS.
Applying For Estonia ETIAS From Japan
Estonia has announced that citizens of Japan can apply for an ETIAS visa starting from March 1, 2019. The Estonia ETIAS is a passport-like identification card that allows travelers to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days without a visa.
To apply for an Estonian ETIAS, citizens of Japan must first obtain a passport and complete the online application form. After submitting the form, applicants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to submit additional documents, such as a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or passport photo. Applicants who do not have a passport can also apply for an ETIAS through their local Estonian embassy or consulate.
Once all required documents have been submitted, applicants will need to visit an Estonian Migrations Service center to pick up their ETIAS card. The card will be valid for six months and will be accompanied by a sticker indicating that it is valid in the Schengen area. Once in the Schengen area, travelers will only need to show their ETIAS card to border police if they are asked to do so.
Applicants should note that there is no guarantee that they will be granted an Estonian ETIAS visa; applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.
Reasons You Should Get An Estonia ETIAS
If you are a citizen of Japan, or if you have a visa that allows limited stay in Estonia, you may need an Estonia ETIAS. The Estonia ELISA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system is used to verify the identity of citizens of Japan who wish to enter Estonia. If you do not have an ETIAS, you will need to provide identification such as your passport, driver’s license, national ID card, or other government-issued photograph identification.
The Estonia ETIAS is valid for 90 days and is required for citizens of Japan who:
- Are planning to stay in Estonia for more than 30 days
- Are travelling to Estonia for business purposes.
Things To Consider Before Coming To Estonia
You may be wondering if coming to Estonia is a good idea for you and your family. Here are some things to consider before making the decision:
Estonia has a population of just over 1.3 million people and is only about the size of Chicago. It’s not a giant country, but it’s still large enough that you’ll feel sparsely populated if you’re used to big city life. The weather in Estonia is temperate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C in January to 22°C in July.
Estonia has always been a relatively affordable country to live in, especially by European standards. Things like utilities (electricity, water, gas), food, transportation and clothing are all relatively affordable here when compared to other places in Europe. Estonia also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU (3%), which means that there are plenty of jobs available no matter your skills or experience. Finally, Estonia offers excellent educational opportunities for both children and adults. In 2017, Estonia ranked 2nd out of 37 countries on the World Economic Forum’s list of “Global Gender Gap Index.” This ranking measures how well countries are doing in terms of gender equality, based on variables such as education and health care availability for women and men.
Estonia ETIAS For Citizens Of Japan – FAQ
The Estonian electronic identity card (Estonian ID-kaart, ETIAS) is a digital identification card which grants citizens of Japan access to visa-free travel to Estonia.
Who can get an Estonian ID-kaart?
All Japanese citizens, including naturalized Japanese citizens and Japanese nationals who have permanent resident status in another country.
When can I get an Estonian ID-kaart?
You can apply for an Estonian ID-kaart starting from March 1, 2019. The application deadline is January 31, 2020. After the application deadline has passed, the earliest you can receive an Estonian ID-kaart is May 31, 2020.
How much does it cost to get an Estonian ID-kaart?
There is no fee for getting an Estonian ID-kaart. However, you will need to pay the applicable visa fee when applying for a visa if you are traveling to Estonia for tourism or business reasons.
Conclusion
The Estonian electronic identity card (Estonian e-tolling ID card, ETIAS) has been accepted by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as a valid travel document for citizens of Japan. ETIAS is a single document that can be used to travel to any Schengen Area country, including Japan.
ETIAS is a smartcard based electronic identity system that allows citizens of participating countries to travel to any other country in the European Union with just a single document. For more information on ETIAS and how to use it, visit the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the ETIAS will become an officially accepted travel document for Japanese nationals starting on 1 January 2020. This means that travelling within the European Union, as well as to countries within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation area (APEC), will now be much simpler for Japanese citizens.