ETIAS Authorization in 2026: Step-by-Step Process and Costs

ETIAS authorization is the new digital travel permit that visa-exempt visitors will need before entering most of Europe. In short, it is an electronic pre-screening tied to your passport, not a visa. The European Commission confirms ETIAS will start in the last quarter of 2026, with a transitional period before it becomes mandatory in 2027. Therefore, understanding the rules now helps you travel without surprises at the border.

This guide explains how the ETIAS authorization works in 2026, what it costs, which documents you need, and how the step-by-step process unfolds. In addition, you will find a comparison table, real-world examples, and a detailed FAQ. For broader context, see our complete ETIAS guide for non-EU travellers.

What you need to know about ETIAS authorization

The ETIAS authorization is a mandatory electronic travel permit for visa-exempt nationals visiting 30 European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is not a visa; instead, it is a security pre-check linked electronically to your passport. Consequently, you apply online before you travel, and approval is usually granted within minutes.

The system is run by the European Union and was created to strengthen border security. Moreover, it works alongside the new Entry/Exit System (EES) but remains a separate scheme. To understand the difference, read our explainer on EES vs ETIAS. According to the official EU travel portal, the authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Furthermore, ETIAS applies only to nationals of visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. If your country already needs a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not replace it. For the full eligibility picture, check the list of countries that need ETIAS.

ETIAS authorization prices and fees in 2026

The ETIAS authorization costs €7 per application, and this fee was confirmed by the European Commission in 2026. However, travellers under 18 years old and over 70 years old are completely exempt from the fee, although they still must hold a valid authorization. As a result, families travelling with children pay only for adult applicants between 18 and 70.

In addition, payment is made online by card at the end of the application. The €7 charge is a one-off cost that covers the entire three-year validity, so you do not pay again unless your authorization expires or your passport changes. For a deeper breakdown, see our ETIAS cost guide for 2026.

Item	Detail (2026)
Standard fee	€7
Under 18 / over 70	€0 (exempt)
Validity	3 years or until passport expiry
Maximum stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Entries	Multiple

Notably, the European Union has warned that any website charging large service fees before the official launch is not legitimate. Therefore, you should only apply through the official channel once it opens.

Required documents for your ETIAS authorization

To complete an ETIAS application you need a valid biometric passport, a payment card, and an email address; in most cases that is all. Your passport must be machine-readable and should remain valid for the duration of your trip. Because the authorization is linked electronically to your passport number, you must travel on the same passport you used to apply.

Besides the passport, the online form asks for basic personal details, your planned country of first entry, and background questions on security and health. Consequently, applicants should have their travel plans roughly in mind before starting. The European Union stresses that the data is used only for security screening.

In practice, having a clear scan or photo of your passport details page speeds things up. Moreover, double-checking your passport number prevents the most common rejection cause. For a full pre-departure list, use our ETIAS travel checklist.

ETIAS authorization step-by-step process

Applying for ETIAS takes about ten minutes online and follows five clear steps: complete the form, answer security questions, pay €7, submit, and wait for approval. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes by email. However, in some cases the system may take up to 30 days when manual checks are required.

First, you fill in your passport and personal details. Second, you answer the background questions truthfully. Third, you pay the fee by card. Fourth, you submit and receive a confirmation. Finally, you check your email for the approval. The European Commission ETIAS pages describe each step in detail. Afterwards, the authorization is stored electronically against your passport, so there is no sticker to print, although keeping a copy of the confirmation is wise.

For a detailed walkthrough, follow our step-by-step ETIAS application guide. In addition, if something goes wrong, our guide to common ETIAS application errors and fixes can help.

Common mistakes to avoid with ETIAS authorization

The most common ETIAS mistakes are entering a passport number incorrectly, applying too late, and using unofficial websites that overcharge. Because the permit is tied to your exact passport number, even a single wrong character can invalidate it at the border. Therefore, careful data entry is essential.

Another frequent error is leaving the application to the last minute. Although approval is often instant, the EU advises applying well before departure in case extra checks are needed. Furthermore, some travellers confuse ETIAS with the separate Entry/Exit System; our EES vs ETIAS comparison clears this up. Finally, never pay inflated fees to third-party sites, since the official cost is only €7.

Real-world examples of ETIAS authorization

For most travellers, ETIAS is quick and painless: a US tourist, a Canadian student, and a British retiree would each apply online, pay €7 (or nothing if over 70), and receive approval within minutes. These examples show how the scheme works across different situations in 2026.

Consider an American couple visiting France and Italy. They each apply, pay €7, and travel on the same passports they registered. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old travelling with parents still needs an authorization but pays no fee. Likewise, a British citizen taking weekend trips to Spain benefits from the three-year validity, applying once and reusing it for multiple visits. For UK-specific context after Brexit, see our note on border entry rules.

ETIAS authorization versus other travel permits

ETIAS is often confused with the UK ETA and the Schengen visa, but the three differ in cost, validity, and purpose. ETIAS covers 30 European countries for €7; the UK ETA covers the United Kingdom for £20; and a Schengen visa is a full visa for nationals who are not visa-exempt. The table below summarises the key differences in 2026.

Permit	Area	Fee (2026)	Validity
ETIAS authorization	30 European countries	€7	3 years
UK ETA	United Kingdom	£20	2 years
Schengen visa	Schengen area	€90	Varies

Importantly, ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization, not a visa, whereas a Schengen visa involves an embassy application. Moreover, if you travel between Europe and the UK, you may need both ETIAS and a UK ETA. To compare entry points, read about airport versus land border differences.

At the border with your ETIAS authorization

At the border, you do not show a printed ETIAS authorization; instead, border officers scan your passport and the system confirms your valid permit electronically. Because the authorization is linked to your passport chip, the check is fast at airports, ports, and land crossings. Nevertheless, you should still carry proof of your return ticket and accommodation.

In addition, holding ETIAS does not guarantee entry; the final decision always rests with border officials, as the European Commission clearly states. Therefore, travellers should be ready to explain the purpose and length of their visit. For what to expect on arrival, see our guide to ETIAS airport procedures and the full ETIAS countries list.

Frequently asked questions about ETIAS authorization

Is ETIAS authorization a visa?

No. ETIAS is not a visa; it is an electronic travel permit for visa-exempt nationals. It involves a quick online pre-screening rather than an embassy visa application, and it allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

How much does ETIAS authorization cost in 2026?

The fee is €7 for applicants aged 18 to 70. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need a valid authorization. The €7 covers the full validity period of up to three years.

When does ETIAS authorization become mandatory?

ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, followed by a transitional period. During this phase it is not yet mandatory, but it becomes a firm requirement in 2027. Applying early once the portal opens is therefore recommended.

How long is an ETIAS authorization valid?

An authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that period you can make multiple short trips to the participating European countries without reapplying.

Which countries require an ETIAS authorization?

ETIAS applies to 30 European countries, mostly within the Schengen area. Visa-exempt nationals from countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Japan need it. The full list is on our dedicated countries page.

How long does ETIAS authorization approval take?

Most applicants are approved within minutes. In some cases, when additional checks are needed, a decision can take up to 30 days. For this reason, the EU advises applying well before your planned departure date.

Can my ETIAS authorization be refused?

Yes, an authorization can be refused, for example after security checks. If that happens, you receive the reason by email and can appeal or apply for a Schengen visa instead. Correcting application errors first often resolves the issue.

Last updated: 4 June 2026.