What is ETIAS?

Although the ETIAS is currently not in operation as of publication date and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point, this guide explains what travellers can expect. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance. No action is required from travellers at current. 

ETIAS – short for European Travel Information and Authorisation System – was first proposed by the European Commission in 2016 after a wave of border-security updates across the EU. The idea was to mirror systems like the US ESTA or Canada's eTA: fast, automated pre-screening for visa-free travellers that could flag risks before arrival. 

ETIAS is not a visa. Instead, it is a pre-travel screening system that determines whether you’re allowed to travel to participating countries for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Once operational, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to visit 30 European countries, which include all members of the Schengen Area plus Cyprus. Ireland is not covered and keeps its own entry rules. 

The system functions as a pre-screening: you apply online, your details are cross-referenced with official databases, and once approved, you're cleared for short-term travel under the existing visa-free terms. It's designed to enhance oversight in a region with open internal borders and significant visitor flow. It will be digitally linked to your passport and will be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The complete list of the 30 European countries requiring ETIAS:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czechia (Czech Republic)

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland 

You can check updates and the official rollout schedule directly through the Official European Union ETIAS website.

The rollout of ETIAS has been delayed multiple times. While the launch was initially planned for the final quarter of 2026, the new start date has not been confirmed. The European Commission will announce the official start date in due course, after which transitional and grace periods will take effect.

Citizens of all visa-free countries will eventually need ETIAS approval to enter most of Europe. That includes travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and a total of 59 countries and territories.

You'll need a valid passport from a visa-free country and must complete the ETIAS application before you travel. The authorisation is electronically linked to your passport and remains valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, you can enter Europe multiple times, as long as you stick to the 90 days per 180 days rule.

The online application process

You'll apply entirely online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. No embassy visits or extensive paperwork required. Most people receive approval within minutes, though some applications may take longer if additional checks are needed.

Required information

• Personal information, such as name, address, passport details and current occupation and questions about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions.

• Travel plans in Europe

• Those travellers who declare to have a family member who is a citizen of a European country requiring ETIAS will also be asked to provide further details about their family ties.

In case a third person will submit the application on your behalf, they will also have to provide their name, contact details, as well as information about their relationship to you.

Make sure you apply using the same passport you will travel with. If you change passports after applying, you'll likely need to apply again.

Understanding the application fee and validity

The application fee will be €20 EUR (about £17) for travellers aged 18–70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee. Once approved, ETIAS remains valid for three years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple short trips across participating countries.

What to expect at the border

Arriving at any of the participating countries, you'll present your passport as usual, as the ETIAS will be electronically linked to it. When you arrive, border officers scan your passport and see the authorisation instantly. Airlines and ferry operators will also check that you have ETIAS before boarding.

Common reasons for an ETIAS refusal

Rejections are rare, but can happen if:

• You enter the wrong personal information
• Your name appears in security or migration databases
• You've previously overstayed in Europe
• You apply using an invalid or expired passport

If refused, you'll receive a reason and can appeal the decision.

Apply early to avoid last-minute pressure. Always travel with the same passport you used for your application. ETIAS doesn't replace normal border rules – you'll still need to show proof of return travel or sufficient funds for your stay. Be sure to check the official ETIAS site or your carrier for the most current information.

ETIAS represents a practical update to European travel rather than a significant barrier. It's simply a new pre-check in an increasingly security-conscious world.. The aim is to make border crossings smoother and more efficient for everyone while maintaining security standards.

How much does ETIAS cost?

Applicants applying through the official ETIAS website are subject to a fee of EUR 20 (about £17). Individuals under 18 or over 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Exemption also applies to family members of EU nationals who meet the eligibility criteria for family member status.

How long is ETIAS valid for?

Once approved, ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. During that period you can use it multiple times for short stays under the visa-free rules.

Is ETIAS a visa?

No. ETIAS is not a visa. It's an authorisation for travellers who already have visa-free rights to enter the participating countries. It doesn't replace visas required for longer stays, work, study, etc., and it does not guarantee automatic entry.