ETIAS — European Travel Information & Authorisation System

Starting Q4 2026, citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries. Fee: €20 | Valid: 3 years | Processing: minutes.

ETIAS Key Facts at a Glance

€20

Application Fee
(ages 18-70)

3 Years

Validity Period
(or until passport expires)

Minutes

Processing Time
(up to 4 weeks max)

30 Countries

European Destinations
(Schengen + Cyprus)

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new digital travel authorisation requirement by the European Union. Similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA, ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries before entering 30 European countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel screening system designed to enhance security and streamline border management across Europe. The application is completed entirely online, costs €20, and is typically processed within minutes.

Who Needs ETIAS?

Citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS to enter Europe. This includes travelers from:

🌎 Americas

🌏 Asia & Pacific

🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇹🇼 Taiwan
🇧🇳 Brunei

🌍 Europe & Others

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇷🇸 Serbia
🇬🇪 Georgia
🇮🇱 Israel
🇦🇪 UAE
🇦🇱 Albania
🇲🇩 Moldova

ETIAS vs. ESTA vs. UK ETA: Quick Comparison

Feature	EU ETIAS	US ESTA	UK ETA
Fee	€20	$40	£20
Validity	3 years	2 years	2 years
Max Stay	90 days / 180	90 days	6 months
Processing	Minutes to 4 weeks	Up to 72 hours	Minutes
Countries	30 European	1 (USA)	1 (UK)

Frequently Asked Questions

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026. Once operational, all eligible travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before traveling to participating European countries.

How much does ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS application fee is €20 for travelers aged 18-70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee.

Is ETIAS a visa?

No, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. It is designed for citizens of visa-exempt countries and does not require a visit to an embassy or consulate.

Which countries can I visit with ETIAS?

ETIAS will be valid for travel to all 29 Schengen Area countries plus Cyprus — a total of 30 European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and more.

How long is ETIAS valid?

An approved ETIAS authorisation is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to Europe.

Prepare for Your European Trip Today

Stay informed about ETIAS requirements, application deadlines, and travel tips. Be ready when the system launches in Q4 2026.