ETIAS for Families 2026: What Parents Need to Know About Children

Once ETIAS starts, every visa-exempt traveller in your family – including babies and children – will need their own ETIAS linked to their own passport for trips to the Schengen Area. Family or group applications are not possible. EU citizens do not need ETIAS, and ETIAS is not yet in operation – the EU has not yet announced a launch date. The good news? ETIAS is free for anyone under 18, so bringing the kids along stays affordable. Here is what parents need to know before applying on a child’s behalf.

Does Every Child Need Their Own ETIAS?

Yes – every traveller, whatever their age, must obtain a personal authorization. That includes:

ETIAS factor	Detail	Cost / Time 2026	For travellers
Application fee	EU Commission	€20	Free for under 18 / over 70
Processing time	Standard online	Minutes to 4 days	Apply 96 hours ahead
Validity	Multiple entry	3 years or passport expiry	Whichever comes first
Maximum stay	Per 180-day period	90 days	Schengen rolling rule
Coverage area	30 European countries	Single authorisation	EU + Schengen-associated

• Infants (even newborns)
• Toddlers and young children
• Teenagers under 18

Each child must have their own valid passport to which their ETIAS will be electronically linked. Children cannot be included on a parent’s ETIAS – it is strictly one authorization per passport.

How to Apply for ETIAS for Your Children

Parents or legal guardians can complete the ETIAS application on behalf of their minor children. The process is similar to the adult application with a few differences.

Step-by-Step Guide for Children’s Applications

1. Ensure each child has a valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen zone
2. Open the EU’s official ETIAS system: You can submit applications for several relatives in one sitting
3. Enter the child’s passport details: Name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date (must match the passport exactly)
4. Provide parent/guardian information: The application requires details about the parent or legal guardian submitting the form
5. Answer eligibility questions: Security and health questions (answered by the parent on the child’s behalf)
6. No payment needed: Applications for under-18s are free
7. Receive confirmation: Approval sent to the parent’s email address

Documents Needed for Children

• Child’s valid passport (biometric passport recommended)
• Parent’s or guardian’s contact details and email address
• Parent’s or guardian’s identification information
• Child’s current residential address

ETIAS Cost for a Family Trip

One of the advantages of ETIAS for family travel is the age-based fee structure. Here is what a typical family would pay:

Family Example	ETIAS Cost
2 adults + 1 child (a minor)	€40 (two adults at €20, one child free)
2 adults + 2 minors	€40 (two adults at €20, both children free)
2 adults + 3 minors	€40 (two adults at €20, all three children free)
1 adult + 2 children + 1 grandparent (over 70)	€20 (one adult at €20; two kids and the grandparent free)
Solo parent + 1 child	€20 (one adult at €20, one child free)

Since each ETIAS is valid for 3 years, the total family cost covers multiple trips to Europe.

Travelling with Children to Europe: Additional Requirements

Beyond ETIAS, families should be aware of other requirements when heading into the Schengen zone with kids:

Documentation for Minors

• Parental consent: If a child is travelling with only one parent, some Schengen countries may request a letter of consent from the other parent
• Birth certificate: Carry a copy showing the parent-child relationship, especially if surnames differ
• Custody documents: If applicable, bring legal custody documentation
• Guardianship proof: For non-parent guardians, bring legal guardianship papers

Child Trafficking Prevention Measures

European border officials are trained to look out for child trafficking indicators. To avoid delays at the border, carry:

• Proof of relationship to the child (birth certificate or adoption papers)
• Written consent from the absent parent if travelling with only one parent
• Contact details of the non-travelling parent
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details

The 90/180-Day Rule for Family Trips

The 90/180-day rule applies to everyone in the group, without exception. Each person – adults and children alike – may stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day window across Schengen countries. Days are counted individually per passport, though they usually line up for families travelling together.

Tips for Families Applying for ETIAS

1. Apply for everyone at once: Submit all family applications in one session to avoid forgetting anyone
2. Check all passports well in advance: Ensure everyone’s passport meets the validity requirements
3. Keep all confirmation emails: Save every approval somewhere you can reach it quickly
4. Apply early: Submit applications at least 1–2 weeks before your trip, especially during peak travel season
5. Note expiry dates: Track when each traveller’s permit expires, as dates may differ when passports expire at different times
6. Carry supporting documents: Bring birth certificates, consent letters, and custody papers when travelling with children

Official Sources & References

• European Commission – ETIAS Official Portal
• eu-LISA – European Agency for IT Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Do babies need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Yes – babies and infants included, every traveller needs an individual ETIAS tied to their passport. However, ETIAS is completely free for anyone under 18 years of age. Parents or guardians complete the application on behalf of their baby.

Can I apply for ETIAS for my whole family at once?

While each traveller needs a separate ETIAS application, you can complete several in one sitting through the ETIAS system. Each application requires the individual’s passport information. There is no “family application” option – each person gets a separate authorization.

What if my child turns 18 before our trip?

The ETIAS fee is determined at the time of application, not at the time of travel. If your child is 17 when they apply, the application is free. The approved ETIAS remains valid for its full 3-year duration regardless of the applicant reaching 18 during that period.

Can a child travel to Europe with grandparents using ETIAS?

Yes, as long as the child holds a valid ETIAS and passport. Grandparents over 70 also qualify for free ETIAS applications. However, carry documentation proving the relationship and a consent letter from the child’s parents authorizing the grandparents to travel with the child.

What happens if one family member’s ETIAS is denied?

Every application is processed independently. If one person’s ETIAS is denied, it has no effect on the rest of the group’s approvals. The denied applicant can appeal the decision or apply for a standard Schengen visa as an alternative.

Practical guide to ETIAS travel preparation

Effective European travel preparation begins with understanding ETIAS requirements. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is not yet in operation – the EU has not announced a launch date and will do so several months in advance. It will apply to citizens of approximately 60 visa-exempt countries including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. The fee is €20 for adults aged 18-70, free for those under 18 or over 70. Processing is fast — most applications are approved within minutes, but plan for up to 96 hours (4 days) for cases requiring manual review. Once ETIAS opens, applications are submitted online through the official ETIAS system.

For payments on the government-run ETIAS site, all major Visa, Mastercard and AMEX cards are accepted worldwide. Have your passport, payment card and travel information ready before starting — the application takes approximately 10 minutes. The system asks about previous travel history, health declarations, criminal history (within 10-20 years depending on offense), and Schengen entry refusals. Answer every question honestly: false or unreliable information is a ground for refusal, and if it comes to light after your ETIAS has been issued, the authorisation can be annulled or revoked and you may be refused entry. A refusal is not permanent, though – a previous refusal does not automatically lead to refusal of a new application.

Once approved, ETIAS authorises multiple entries for 3 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). The 90-days-in-180 Schengen rule still applies — you can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period across the Schengen countries combined (stays in Cyprus are counted separately). ETIAS does NOT replace your need to follow this rolling period rule. Your authorisation is electronically linked to your passport — a new passport (including a renewed child’s passport) needs a new ETIAS application – €20 for adults aged 18–70, free for under-18s and over-70s. Keep approval email digitally and on paper as backup.

European travel tips and cultural awareness

European countries vary significantly in culture, language, and social norms. Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Greece) have later meal times — dinner often after 21:00, with shops closing 13:30-17:00 for siesta. Northern European countries (Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia) value punctuality strictly — being even 5 minutes late is considered rude. Tipping varies: France and Italy include service charge in restaurants (no extra needed), while Germany and Netherlands appreciate 5-10%. Card payments are widely accepted but cash is preferred in smaller establishments, especially in southern Europe.

For local transport, Eurail or Interrail passes offer flexibility for multi-country trips — as of 2026, a Global Pass with 5 travel days within 1 month costs adults (aged 28–59) around €318 in 2nd class and around €413 in 1st class; prices vary by currency, country of residence and promotions. Major cities have excellent metros: Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Amsterdam, Stockholm. Budget airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling) offer cheap flights between cities, but watch baggage fees. For long-distance trains, the OBB-Nightjet sleeper trains connect major capitals. ETIAS will be required for 30 European countries: the Schengen Area members (including non-EU Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) plus Cyprus – but not Ireland.

Frequently asked questions about ETIAS

When does ETIAS launch and is it required now?

ETIAS is not yet in operation and applications are not being accepted. The EU has not yet announced a launch date; it will be announced several months in advance. Currently no application is required — you can travel to ETIAS-required countries visa-free under existing rules. We recommend bookmarking the official EU ETIAS website and applying as soon as it goes live for your planned trip.

How much does ETIAS cost?

ETIAS costs €20 per person for adults aged 18-70. It is free for travellers under 18 years old or over 70 years old. The fee is paid online during application via Visa, Mastercard or AMEX. There are no extra fees if you apply directly on the government-run ETIAS site.

How long is ETIAS valid?

ETIAS is valid for 3 years from approval (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). It permits multiple entries to all 30 ETIAS-required European countries. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period across the Schengen countries combined; stays in Cyprus are counted separately. This 90-in-180 limit is independent of ETIAS — it applies to all visa-exempt travellers regardless of authorisation type.

Which countries require ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to 30 European countries: all EU member states except Ireland (including Cyprus, which applies ETIAS although it is not part of the Schengen area), plus the Schengen-associated countries Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Ireland is NOT included as it is not part of Schengen — separate UK and Ireland travel rules apply. Always check the current list on the EU’s official ETIAS website, as countries may join or change their participation.

Do US citizens need ETIAS?

Yes — once ETIAS launches, US passport holders will need it for travel to any of the 30 ETIAS countries, unless they are exempt (for example, as holders of a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by one of these countries). The €20 fee will apply to US travellers aged 18-70; those under 18 or over 70 and eligible family members of EU citizens will not pay. ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA system that visa-waiver visitors to the US must obtain — a pre-screening electronic authorisation. Currently US citizens travel to Europe visa-free, and ETIAS will add this online pre-screening step but does not replace the 90-day stay limit.

What if my application is denied?

If your ETIAS is denied, you will receive an email with the specific reason. Under the ETIAS Regulation, an application is refused if the applicant uses a travel document reported in SIS as lost, stolen or invalid, poses a security, illegal-immigration or high epidemic risk, has a SIS alert for refusal of entry, does not provide requested information in time or misses an interview, or if there are serious doubts about the truthfulness of the information given. Database hits lead to a manual review rather than an automatic refusal. You can appeal the decision or apply for a Schengen visa (€80) at the relevant embassy. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of rejection through the official ETIAS system.