ETIAS Countries 2026: Complete List of 30 Schengen Nations Requiring Travel Authorization

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Importantly, if you are planning to travel to Europe, you need to know which countries require ETIAS travel authorization. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) applies to all 30 countries in the Schengen Area, plus several additional European nations that have agreements with the system. As a result, this comprehensive guide lists every ETIAS country, explains the Schengen Area, and helps you understand exactly where you will need ETIAS to travel.

📋 Key Takeaways

  • What Is the ETIAS System
  • Complete List of 30 ETIAS Countries (Schengen Area)
  • Most Popular ETIAS Destinations for Travelers
  • European Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS
  • How to Apply for ETIAS to Visit These Countries
  • Related ETIAS Guides
EU passports placed on a European map showing ETIAS countries in the Schengen Area
Travelers will need ETIAS for visiting all 30 Schengen Area countries

What Is the ETIAS System?

Essentially, ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization system developed by the European Union. It is not a visa — it is a pre-travel screening system similar to the US ESTA or the Canadian eTA. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan) must obtain ETIAS before traveling to any Schengen Area country.

The EU established this system under EU Regulation 2018/1240 and Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency) manages it. Once operational, ETIAS will be mandatory for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Complete List of 30 ETIAS Countries (Schengen Area)

The following 30 countries are members of the Schengen Area and will require ETIAS authorization for visa-exempt travelers. Overall, these countries share a common border policy and allow free movement between them without passport checks at internal borders.

European Union flag on building representing the 30 ETIAS Schengen member countries
All 30 Schengen Area member states participate in the ETIAS system

EU Schengen Countries (23 countries)

Specifically, these 23 European Union member states are full Schengen members:

  1. Austria — Capital: Vienna
  2. Belgium — Capital: Brussels
  3. Croatia — Capital: Zagreb (joined Schengen in 2023)
  4. Czech Republic — Capital: Prague
  5. Denmark — Capital: Copenhagen
  6. Estonia — Capital: Tallinn
  7. Finland — Capital: Helsinki
  8. France — Capital: Paris
  9. Germany — Capital: Berlin
  10. Greece — Capital: Athens
  11. Hungary — Capital: Budapest
  12. Italy — Capital: Rome
  13. Latvia — Capital: Riga
  14. Lithuania — Capital: Vilnius
  15. Luxembourg — Capital: Luxembourg City
  16. Malta — Capital: Valletta
  17. Netherlands — Capital: Amsterdam
  18. Poland — Capital: Warsaw
  19. Portugal — Capital: Lisbon
  20. Slovakia — Capital: Bratislava
  21. Slovenia — Capital: Ljubljana
  22. Spain — Capital: Madrid
  23. Sweden — Capital: Stockholm

Non-EU Schengen Countries (4 countries)

Additionally, these four countries are not EU members but are part of the Schengen Area through bilateral agreements:

  1. Iceland — Capital: Reykjavik
  2. Liechtenstein — Capital: Vaduz
  3. Norway — Capital: Oslo
  4. Switzerland — Capital: Bern

New Schengen Members (3 countries)

Furthermore, these countries have recently joined or are completing their integration into the Schengen Area:

  1. Bulgaria — Capital: Sofia (joined Schengen in 2024)
  2. Romania — Capital: Bucharest (joined Schengen in 2024)
  3. Cyprus — Capital: Nicosia (pending full membership)

Most Popular ETIAS Destinations for Travelers

While all 30 Schengen countries require ETIAS, certain destinations attract the majority of international visitors. Here are the most visited ETIAS countries and what makes them popular travel destinations.

Eiffel Tower Paris skyline one of the most popular ETIAS destination countries
France is the world’s most visited country and requires ETIAS authorization

France

Notably, France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming over 90 million international tourists annually. For example, Paris, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley are among the top attractions. Typically, American, British, Canadian, and Australian travelers will need ETIAS to visit France for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Spain

Spain ranks as the second most visited country in Europe. Similarly, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and the Balearic Islands draw millions of visitors each year. As a result, with ETIAS you can freely travel between mainland Spain and its Schengen islands including Mallorca, Ibiza, and the Canary Islands.

Italy

Travelers know Italy for its rich history, art, and cuisine. In particular, Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast are perennial favorites. A single ETIAS authorization covers all Italian territories within the Schengen Area.

Germany

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a major business travel hub. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg offer a mix of history, culture, and modern innovation. ETIAS covers both business and tourism visits to Germany.

Greece

In particular, Greece offers ancient ruins, stunning islands, and Mediterranean beaches. Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are among the most popular destinations. Travelers will need ETIAS for all Greek territory within the Schengen Area.

European Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS

Not all European countries are part of the ETIAS system. The following countries have their own entry requirements and are not covered by ETIAS:

Colosseum in Rome Italy historic European landmark ETIAS destination country
Italy’s Colosseum is one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks — ETIAS required for visa-exempt travelers
  • United Kingdom — Left the EU in 2020; has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
  • Ireland — Not a Schengen member; maintains its own immigration policy
  • Turkey — Requires a separate e-Visa for most nationalities
  • Russia — Has its own visa requirements
  • Ukraine — Separate entry requirements
  • Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo — Western Balkan countries with their own visa policies

Important: If you plan to travel to both ETIAS and non-ETIAS countries during your European trip, you will need to arrange separate entry authorizations for each. Your ETIAS authorization only covers travel within the Schengen Area.

How to Apply for ETIAS to Visit These Countries

The ETIAS application process is straightforward and entirely online. Here is what you should know:

Airport terminal with travelers checking passport and visa requirements for European countries
Check whether your European destination requires ETIAS or has separate entry requirements
  1. Check your eligibility — Verify that your nationality is on the ETIAS-eligible countries list
  2. Prepare your documents — You need a valid passport, email address, and payment method
  3. Complete the online form — The application takes approximately 10 minutes
  4. Pay the fee — The ETIAS fee is EUR 20 for adults (free for travelers under 18 or over 70)
  5. Receive your authorization — Most applications are processed within minutes

One ETIAS authorization covers all 30 Schengen countries — you do not need separate authorizations for each country you plan to visit. Learn more in our complete guide: What Is ETIAS?

Frequently Asked Questions About ETIAS Countries

Santorini Greece blue domes Mediterranean ETIAS travel destination
Santorini, Greece — one of many stunning ETIAS destinations in the Mediterranean

How many countries require ETIAS?

Travelers need ETIAS for visiting 30 countries in the Schengen Area. This includes 23 EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) plus 4 non-EU Schengen members (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) and 3 newer members (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus).

Do I need a separate ETIAS for each country?

No. A single ETIAS travel authorization covers all 30 Schengen Area countries. Once approved, you can freely travel between any ETIAS countries during the validity period of your authorization (3 years or until your passport expires).

Does the UK require ETIAS?

No. The United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020 and is not part of the ETIAS system. The UK has its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors. ETIAS only applies to Schengen Area countries.

Is Ireland part of the ETIAS system?

No. Ireland opted out of the Schengen Agreement and maintains its own immigration policy. You do not need ETIAS to travel to Ireland, but you may need other travel documentation depending on your nationality.

Can I travel to multiple ETIAS countries on one trip?

Yes. With a valid ETIAS authorization, you can travel freely between all 30 Schengen countries during a single trip. There are no border checks between Schengen countries, so you can visit multiple destinations seamlessly. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.

Related ETIAS Guides

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