ETIAS won't be required until the last quarter of 2026
While it's good to be prepared for the upcoming changes, no action is required yet.
ETIAS - The New Form of Travel Authorisation for Europe
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What is an ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
By the last quarter of 2026, anyone travelling to the Schengen area from a visa-exempt country will have to apply for an ETIAS before their trip. This includes people travelling from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more.
ETIAS are being implemented to make pre-travel screening easier and boarding checks quicker.
How do ETIAS work?
Once you've gotten your ETIAS, it will be electronically linked to your passport, meaning you won't have to carry any extra documents with you.
For this to work, you'll need a biometric passport, also known as an e-passport. You'll know if you have an e-passport by looking at the front cover. If you see a gold camera-like symbol, your passport is biometric.
If you don't have a biometric passport, then you will need to apply for a visa to enter a country in the Schengen Area.
From the date your ETIAS is accepted, it will remain valid for 3 years. After that, it will need to be renewed. Therefore, if you travel to the Schengen Area multiple times within those 3 years, you won't have to worry about getting your documents reissued.
The only time your ETIAS will stop being valid before those 3 years are up is if your passport expires within that time. If this is the case, you'll need to apply for a new passport and an ETIAS.
Who will need an ETIAS?
You will need an ETIAS from the last quarter of 2026 if the following all apply:
- Your country is not in the EU.
- You're visiting the Schengen Area.
- Your country does not require a visa for the Schengen Area.
This means that there are a total of 59 countries where its residents will require an ETIAS.
Who doesn't need an ETIAS?
- EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area.
- If you have a valid long-stay visa or residence permit that was issued by a member of state.
- Nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, the Holy See, or Ireland.
- UK citizens who are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Which countries require an ETIAS to visit?
You will need an ETIAS if you're visiting the Schengen Area. This will include:
- Austria
- Belgium and Bulgaria
- Czechia, Croatia and Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland and France
- Germany and Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland and Italy
- Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway and The Netherlands
- Poland and Portugal
- Romenia
- Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland
Why are ETIAS being implemented?
ETIAS are being added to increase security for countries in the Schengen Area.
ETIAS will work to combat potential security risks by pre-scanning individuals from visa-free countries before authorising access. This doesn't mean that you won't be denied entry at other points, though. If issues arise at security or border control, then you can still be refused entry into the Schengen Area.
ETIAS will work similarly to an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), the required document for entering the USA if you're from a visa-free country. ESTAs have been mandatory since 2009, and they also perform background checks on people before permitting entry.
An ETIAS does not guarantee entry
While obtaining an ETIAS will become a requirement for many people visiting the Schengen Area, it doesn't guarantee entry. You will still need to pass through security and border control.
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ETIAS frequently asked questions
What is an ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. By the last quarter of 2026, it will be compulsory for non-EU citizens who don't need a visa and are travelling to the Schengen Area to apply for an ETIAS.
Once accepted, their ETIAS will be electronically added to their passport and will be valid for the next three years, unless their passport expires before that time.
When do ETIAS start?
ETIAS will be required by the last quarter of 2026.
How to apply for an ETIAS?
The application system for an ETIAS has not yet been introduced, as ETIAS aren't yet available or required. While you wait, you can stay updated on the official ETIAS page.
It's essential that you only use the official site to obtain your ETIAS. Fraudsters often work online, and as ETIAS are rolled out, they may try to trick people with fake websites in order to steal their financial information. A fake ETIAS will not be added to your passport.
When do ETIAS start for US citizens?
US citizens travelling to the Schengen Area will be required to obtain an ETIAS starting from the last quarter of 2026. This will be the same date that every non-EU citizen travelling to the Schengen area will need one.
Will UK citizens need an ETIAS?
Yes. As the UK is not part of the Schengen Area or the EU, its citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS, unless they hold a long-stay visa for a Schengen country or are protected by the withdrawal agreement.
How long is the application process for an ETIAS?
The application form should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You'll receive the result of your application within 96 hours through a message to your email inbox. After that, you're all set and can enter the Schengen Area.
There will be some cases where the ETIAS process will take up a month. This will only occur if additional information is required. Make sure to apply within good time, just in case this happens to you.
How much does it cost to apply for an ETIAS?
Applying for an ETIAS will cost $7. Unless the application is for someone under 18 or over 70, then it's free of charge.
Will children need an ETIAS?
Yes. Children, including infants, will require an ETIAS. However, for under-18-year-olds, the ETIAS application will be free of charge.
How long can I be in the Schengen Area with an ETIAS?
ETIAS are designed for short-term stays in the Schengen Area and are perfect for holiday travellers. They permit you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
You can travel to multiple Schengen countries during this time, as long as you don't exceed your allowed days. If you do, you risk facing legal repercussions.
If you wish to stay longer, you will have to apply for a visa.
What's the difference between an ETIAS and a visa?
ETIAS are best for short-term stays in the Schengen Area and are much easier to obtain.
Certain nationals are required to obtain a visa, rather than an ETIAS, even if they're staying for a short period. These include nationals from India, the UAE, Pakistan, and more. It can be more challenging for people from these countries to visit, as the visa process is more time-consuming, requiring additional documents and often resulting in higher delays.
People from countries that require an ETIAS instead of a visa will still need to obtain a visa if they wish to stay in the Schengen Area for an extended period. Again, this will be more time-consuming, and you may be denied depending on factors like your reason for travelling.