The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new system that will start in the last quarter of 2026 and become mandatory in 2027. Travelers from countries that don’t need a visa will need to apply for approval before entering Europe.

It aims to improve security and make travel to the Schengen Area easier by checking travelers before they arrive which will make borders safer and more efficient.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ETIAS, including the application process, costs, eligibility, and more:

What is European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)?

ETIAS is an acronym for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is pre-travel authorization system (not a visa) for visa-exempt travelers from over 60 countries who plan to visit the 30 European countries that require it. These European countries include the 29 Schengen Area countries plus Cyprus.

ETIAS is an automated system designed to screen travelers before they enter the 30 countries mentioned above. Its primary goal and purpose is to enhance security by identifying potential risks related to security, illegal immigration, and public health concerns.

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Which Countries Need ETIAS Authorization?

Countries that must apply for ETIAS travel authorisation:

al Albaniaag Antigua and Barbudaar Argentina
au Australiabs Bahamasbb Barbados
ba Bosnia and Herzegovinabr Brazilbn Brunei
ca Canadacl Chileco Colombia
cr Costa Ricadm Dominicasv El Salvador
ge Georgiagd Grenadagt Guatemala
hn Hondurashk Hong Kongil Israel
jp Japanki Kiribatixk Kosovo
mo Macaomy Malaysiamh Marshall Islands
mu Mauritiusmx Mexicofm Micronesia
md Moldovame Montenegronz New Zealand
ni Nicaraguamk North Macedoniapw Palau
pa Panamapy Paraguaype Peru
kn Saint Kitts and Nevislc Saint Luciavc Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
ws Samoars Serbiasc Seychelles
sg Singaporesb Solomon Islandskr South Korea
tw Taiwantl Timor-Lesteto Tonga
tt Trinidad and Tobagotv Tuvaluua Ukraine
ae United Arab Emiratesgb United Kingdomus United States of America
uy Uruguayve Venezuela

For clarity, the above countries will need ETIAS to travel to the 30 European countries mentioned below.

Countries that require ETIAS authorization to enter their borders:

at Austriabe Belgiumbg Bulgaria
hr Croatiacy Cypruscz Czech Republic
dk Denmarkee Estoniafi Finland
fr Francede Germanygr Greece
hu Hungaryis Icelandit Italy
lv Latviali Liechtensteinlt Lithuania
lu Luxembourgmt Maltanl Netherlands
no Norwaypl Polandpt Portugal
ro Romaniask Slovakiasi Slovenia
es Spainse Swedench Switzerland

How to Apply for ETIAS

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit the Official ETIAS Website: Once the system is live in the last quarter of 2026, travelers will need to go to the official ETIAS website portal to start their application.
  2. Complete the Online Form: Fill in your personal information, travel details, and background questions related to health, security, and immigration history.
  3. Upload or Input Passport Details: Enter the information exactly as it appears in your travel document. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay.
  4. Pay the Application Fee: Submit payment using a credit or debit card. Once paid, the application process has started.
  5. Receive Email Confirmation: Most applications will be approved within minutes. In some cases, further processing may take up to 96 hours or longer if additional documents are needed.
  6. Get Electronic Passport Link: No physical document is issued. Once approved, ETIAS is automatically linked to your passport’s chip.

Required Documents and Information

To complete the application, you will need:

  • A valid biometric passport from a visa-exempt country.
  • Personal information, including full name, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality.
  • Travel plans, including the first European Union country you intend to enter.
  • Answers to security and health questions.
  • A valid email address.
  • A debit or credit card for payment.

Application Fee and Validity

  • Fee: €7 for applicants aged 18 to 70. Minors and seniors are exempt.
  • Validity: Once granted, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

You can enter the Schengen Area multiple times for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What Happens at the Border with ETIAS?

Having an approved ETIAS authorization makes travel to Europe easier, but it does not guarantee automatic entry. Border checks still need to happen, and travelers should be prepared for a standard screening process when arriving at a Schengen Area entry point.

Border Control Procedures

Upon arrival at a Schengen border, travelers with ETIAS will go through the regular border control process, which typically involves:

  1. Passport Scan: Border officials will scan your biometric passport. Your ETIAS authorization is electronically linked to your passport, so there’s no need to print or present a physical document.
  2. ETIAS Validation: The system automatically verifies the status and validity of your ETIAS. If your authorization is valid, you proceed to the next steps.
  3. Standard Entry Questions: Border agents may ask routine questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business), duration of stay, proof of onward or return travel and proof of sufficient financial means.
  4. Additional Checks (if needed): In rare cases, authorities may ask for supporting documents (hotel reservations, travel insurance, etc.) or conduct further questioning.

What Travelers Can Expect

  • Quick, automated screening for most travelers, especially in airports equipped with eGates.
  • Potential manual checks for first-time visitors, minors, or those flagged for additional screening.
  • No entry without valid or current passport and ETIAS.
  • Compliance with stay limits, meaning you must adhere to the 90/180 rule. You can stay no more than 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

ETIAS vs Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference?

Both the ETIAS and the Schengen visa will be required to travel to Europe but they each serve different purposes and apply to different groups of travelers.

Which One You Need and When

You need ETIAS if:

  • You are from a visa-exempt country (e.g., United States, Canada, Australia, Japan – see table above).
  • You plan to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit.
  • You are traveling after ETIAS becomes mandatory (expected by April 2027).

You need a Schengen Visa if:

  • You are from a country that is not visa-exempt, such as India, China, or South Africa.
  • You plan to visit Europe for short stays (up to 90 days) and your nationality requires a visa.
  • You intend to travel for purposes not covered by ETIAS, such as study, employment, or long-term stays.

Key Differences and Eligibility

ETIAS

Schengen Visa

Type of Authorization

Travel pre-authorization (not a visa)

Short-stay visa (Category C)

Who Needs It

Citizens of visa-exempt countries

Citizens of countries that require a visa

Application Process

Online, quick, no biometric appointment

In-person at consulate with biometric data

Processing Time

Minutes to a few days

15+ days, sometimes longer

Validity

3 years or until passport expires

Typically up to 90 days per visit

Purpose of Visit

Tourism, business, transit

Tourism, business, family visits, etc.

Multiple Entries

Yes

Depends on visa (single or multiple)

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