1.
The ETIAS Information System shall automatically verify whether, following submission of an application:
(a)
all the fields of the application form are filled in and contain all the items referred to in Article 17(2) and (4);
(b)
the travel authorisation fee has been collected.
2. If the conditions in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 are met, the application shall be deemed admissible. The ETIAS Central System shall then automatically create an application file without delay and assign it an application number.
3.
Upon creation of the application file, the ETIAS Central System shall record and store the following data:
(a)
the application number;
(b)
status information, indicating that a travel authorisation has been requested;
(c)
the personal data referred to in Article 17(2) and, where applicable, Article 17(4) and (6), including the three-letter code of the country issuing the travel document;
(d)
the data referred to in Article 17(8);
(e)
the date and the time the application form was submitted as well as a reference to the successful payment of the travel authorisation fee and the unique reference number of the payment.
4. Upon creation of the application file, the ETIAS Central System shall determine whether the applicant already has another application file in the ETIAS Central System by comparing the data referred to in ►M1 points (a) and (aa) of Article 17(2) ◄ with the personal data of the application files stored in the ETIAS Central System. In such a case, the ETIAS Central System shall link the new application file to any previous existing application file created for the same applicant.
5.
Upon creation of the application file, the applicant shall immediately receive a notification via the email service explaining that, during the processing of the application, the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or, in exceptional circumstances, attend an interview. This notification shall include:
(a)
status information, acknowledging the submission of an application for travel authorisation; and
(b)
the application number.
The notification shall enable the applicant to make use of the verification tool provided for in point (h) of Article 6(2).