The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) marks a significant change for non-EU citizens, particularly those with citizenship through the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (CBI). As a Caribbean second citizenship program participant, I’ve seen the many benefits that come with holding a passport from a Caribbean nation such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Dominica. These passports often offer visa-free travel to a wide range of countries, including many in the EU. However, the upcoming implementation of ETIAS in 2024 will impact how citizens of these countries, including those who gained citizenship via investment, can travel to Europe.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a new system that will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain an online travel authorization before entering the EU Schengen Zone. This includes citizens of Caribbean nations with visa-free access to Europe. The system aims to strengthen EU border security by pre-screening travelers and assessing potential security risks before they arrive.
For those of us with Caribbean citizenship by investment, this means that although we still retain visa-free access to Europe, we’ll now have to complete the ETIAS process before traveling.
ETIAS and Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs
If you’re considering one of the Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, ETIAS is an essential factor to keep in mind. The Caribbean second citizenship programs offered by countries such as Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and others have long been attractive because they offer visa-free travel to many parts of the world, including Europe. However, with the introduction of ETIAS, future travel to the EU will come with a minor additional step: registering for ETIAS before you travel.
This change does not eliminate the visa-free benefit, but it does alter the way you will access it. While the process is simple—requiring basic personal information and details about your travel plans—it’s important to be aware of this change when evaluating the advantages of these citizenship programs.
What Does ETIAS Mean for Holders of Caribbean Second Citizenship?
For individuals like myself who hold a second citizenship through a Caribbean CBI program, the introduction of ETIAS should not be seen as a negative development. In fact, it’s a relatively straightforward process, and most travelers will be granted approval within minutes of completing their online application. The system will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
As someone with dual citizenship, the freedom of movement that a Caribbean passport grants remains intact, but it’s important to prepare for this new requirement. Having to apply for ETIAS before each trip to the EU might slightly reduce the spontaneity of travel, but it does not detract from the many other benefits these programs offer.
Key Takeaways for Prospective Investors
If you’re considering obtaining a Caribbean second citizenship through investment, the introduction of ETIAS shouldn’t dissuade you. Instead, it’s simply a new reality in international travel, one that even applies to nationals of countries like the U.S. and Canada. Caribbean citizenship by investment programs remain highly valuable for their other benefits, including tax advantages, ease of global mobility, and the ability to pass on citizenship to future generations.
Overall, ETIAS represents a manageable change in travel procedures for citizens of Caribbean countries with CBI, but it does not diminish the appeal of these programs. If anything, it highlights the growing global emphasis on security while maintaining the freedom of movement that makes Caribbean citizenship so attractive.
In conclusion, while ETIAS will require an additional travel authorization step for those of us holding Caribbean citizenship by investment, the value of these programs remains strong. For anyone looking to enhance their global mobility and gain access to the many other benefits these programs offer, Caribbean CBI remains an excellent choice. Just remember to plan ahead for your trips to Europe!