What is ETIAS?
Understanding the European Travel Information and Authorisation System
A New Way to Visit Europe
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorisation introduced by the European Union. It is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to enter the Schengen Area and other participating European countries for short stays of up to 90 days.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel security screening tool designed to strengthen border security while keeping borders open and easy to cross for legitimate visitors from eligible countries. ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026.
ETIAS
- ✓Apply fully online in ~10 minutes
- ✓Fee: €20 (free for under 18 & over 70)
- ✓95% approved within minutes
- ✓No embassy or consulate visit
- ✓Linked electronically to your passport
- ✓Valid for 3 years, multiple entries
Traditional Visa
- ✕Apply at embassy or consulate
- ✕Variable cost (often much higher)
- ✕Processing: days to weeks
- ✕In-person appointment required
- ✕Physical stamp or sticker in passport
- ✕Variable validity and entry conditions
Key Facts at a Glance
Valid for 3 Years
Or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You don’t need to reapply for each trip.
Multiple Entries
Travel to Europe as many times as you wish during the 3-year validity period.
90-Day Stay
Maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period across all ETIAS countries combined.
100% Online
Apply from anywhere. No embassy visits, no paperwork, no queues.
€20 Fee
A straightforward travel authorisation fee. Free for travelers under 18 and over 70.
Linked to Your Passport
No stamps, no stickers. ETIAS is stored electronically and linked to your specific passport.
The 30 ETIAS Member Countries
A single ETIAS authorisation is valid for entry into all of the following countries. You don’t need a separate authorisation for each country you plan to visit.
⚠ Important: Holding a valid ETIAS does not guarantee entry into any country. Border authorities retain the right to deny entry if conditions are not met upon arrival. ETIAS is an authorisation to travel, not an absolute right of entry.