ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visitors who don't need a visa to enter Europe. It is not a visa. If you can travel to Europe visa-free, you will need an approved ETIAS before you board once it starts. If you need a visa, you don't need ETIAS. According to the European Commission, it covers 30 European countries and is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date still to be announced (European Commission).
Below you'll find who needs it, who doesn't, what it costs, how long it lasts and how to apply without paying extra. The facts come from official EU pages.
What is ETIAS and when does it start?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. You apply online before your trip, and the approval is linked to your passport, so there is nothing to print. It is meant for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period (European Commission).
The EU says ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, and that the exact start date will be announced later. Until it starts, nobody can apply for it. The official Travel to Europe website is where the start date will be published, so check it before you book.
Don't confuse it with the Entry/Exit System. The EES is already fully operational and needs no application. It records you at the border. Read our guide to the Entry/Exit System (EES) for the details.
Who needs an ETIAS?
You need an ETIAS if you are a non-EU national who can enter the 30 countries without a visa for a short stay. The Commission's own example is a US citizen. This is the same group that travels to Europe today with just a passport.
Who doesn't need an ETIAS?
- Travellers who need a visa. If you need a Schengen visa, you apply for that instead. The Commission's example is an Indian citizen, who does not need an ETIAS.
- Other groups. The EU has further rules for special situations, such as residence permits and family members of EU citizens. They depend on your exact case, so check the official "who should apply" page and the official FAQ.
Not sure which side you are on? Our guide to understanding visa requirements explains how visa-free and visa-required travel differ. You can also see how passports compare in our ranking of the most powerful passports in the world.
Do children need an ETIAS?
The EU says an authorisation is linked to one person's passport. Check the official FAQ above for the exact rules for children and families before you apply.
How much does ETIAS cost and how long is it valid?
The European Commission says the fee is EUR 20, up from the earlier EUR 7, and applies once ETIAS is operational. Travellers under 18 or over 70 don't pay the fee (European Commission). Some older EU pages still show EUR 7, so ignore those.
Once approved, your authorisation is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need a new authorisation (EEAS).
How do you apply for ETIAS?
Once ETIAS starts, you will apply online through the official website or the official mobile app. The form asks for your personal details, passport information and travel data, and you pay the fee online (European Commission).
- Use only the official channel. Start from travel-europe.europa.eu. The Commission warns that third-party sites may charge extra fees or misuse your data.
- Fill in the form. Have your passport, an email address and your travel details ready.
- Pay the fee. It's a one-time fee per application, unless you're exempt.
- Wait for the email. The Commission says most applications are approved within minutes. The EEAS says a decision comes within four days, or longer if the authorities need more information.
- Travel with the same passport. The approval is tied to the passport you used to apply.
Apply well before your trip. Approval is required before you board your flight, and airlines and other carriers check for it.
Does ETIAS guarantee entry?
No. ETIAS is a pre-check. Border guards still check your documents and your reasons for travel when you arrive (EEAS). Your passport should also be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave, with some exceptions.
Plan your Europe trip
ETIAS covers the paperwork. For the rest of the trip, a Europe eSIM gets you online as soon as you land, so you can open maps and your hotel's messages without hunting for a local shop. These plans are data-only, so they don't come with a phone number. Our guides to using an eSIM in Europe and the best eSIM for Europe help you pick, and you can install your eSIM before you fly. Planning a longer journey? Our guide on how to travel the world and get paid for it is a practical place to start.
Data-only plans for Europe · 10 GB, 20 GB or 50 GB · See all Europe eSIMs · Heading somewhere else? Find your destination
FAQs
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It's an online travel authorisation for people who can travel without a visa. If you need a visa, you apply for that instead.
Is ETIAS required now?
The EU says ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be announced. Check the official website for the current status before you travel.
How much is ETIAS?
The European Commission says EUR 20 once ETIAS is operational. It's free if you're under 18 or over 70.
How long is ETIAS valid?
For 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple short stays.
How many countries does ETIAS cover?
The Commission says 30 European countries. The official site has the full list.
How long does it take to get approved?
The Commission says most applications are approved within minutes. Some take longer, so apply well before you fly.
Where do you apply for ETIAS?
Only through the official ETIAS website or app, starting from travel-europe.europa.eu. Third-party sites may charge extra.
Do I need ETIAS and the EES?
If you're visa-free, yes, they're different things. ETIAS is an application you make before you travel. The EES registers you at the border and has no application.
