ETIAS — European Travel Information and Authorisation System

From late 2026, citizens of about 60 visa-exempt countries will need to apply online for an ETIAS authorisation before travelling to Schengen. €7, valid 3 years.

ℹ️ Important: this guide is informational. Always confirm with the official consulate before applying. Rules can change at short notice.

ETIAS is not yet operational as of May 2026. The EU has confirmed launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). Until then, no application can be submitted. Any website charging you for ETIAS today is fraudulent — only the official portal at travel-europe.europa.eu will be valid.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a visa waiver-style electronic authorisation, similar to the US ESTA. It applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries who want to travel to Schengen for short stays. Without ETIAS approval (once mandatory), airlines and border guards can refuse boarding/entry.

ETIAS is not a visa. It's a pre-travel security check linked electronically to your passport.

Who will need ETIAS?

Citizens of around 60 visa-exempt countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, including: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Israel, Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong, etc.

Citizens already needing a Schengen visa (Visa C) do not need ETIAS.

How to apply (when launched)

Go to travel-europe.europa.eu or use the official mobile app.
Fill in personal data, passport details, occupation, education, contact, planned destination, security questions (criminal record, public health, terrorism background).
Pay the €7 fee by credit/debit card.
In most cases, approval is automatic and instant. About 3% of applications are flagged for manual review (up to 30 days).

Fee and exemptions

€7 for travellers aged 18–70.
Free for travellers under 18 or over 70.
Family members of EU/EEA citizens exercising free movement: free.

Validity

3 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first).
Multiple entries during validity, each up to 90 days in 180.
You must apply for a new ETIAS when you renew your passport.

Timeline 2026–2027

Q4 2026 — Launch

ETIAS portal opens. Travellers can apply.

~6-month transitional period

Travel without ETIAS still allowed but discouraged. Border guards inform.

~6-month grace period

ETIAS is required, but first-time travellers without one can be admitted with a warning.

~late 2027 — Strict enforcement

No ETIAS = no boarding, no entry.

Source: travel-europe.europa.eu, EU Council, Migration and Home Affairs.

ETIAS vs EES vs Schengen visa

	Schengen Visa C	ETIAS	EES
What is it?	A visa	An electronic authorisation	A border database
For whom?	Annex I nationalities (need a visa)	Annex II nationalities (visa-exempt)	All non-EU short-stay travellers
Action required?	Apply at consulate	Apply online (€7)	None — biometrics taken at border
Fee	€90	€7	Free
Status May 2026	Active	Launching Q4 2026	Live since 10 April 2026