Frequently used terms

Public ETIAS materials use recurring phrases that can be read as technical shorthand. This page offers short explanations to reduce ambiguity.

• External borders: borders referenced in EU border management frameworks.
• Short stay: a term used in EU travel and border rules with specific legal meaning.
• Information system: a structured system for storing and processing data under defined rules.
• Operational management: technical and operational administration described in EU agency mandates.