ETIAS Validity & Duration 2026: 90/180 Rule

One of the most common questions about ETIAS is how long the travel authorization remains valid. Understanding ETIAS validity rules is essential for planning your European trips efficiently and avoiding border issues. This guide explains the validity period, the 90/180-day stay rule, renewal process, and what happens when your ETIAS expires.

📋 Key Takeaways

How Long Is ETIAS Valid
The 90/180-Day Stay Rule Explained
When Does ETIAS Expire
How to Renew Your ETIAS
ETIAS Validity Compared to Other Systems
Related ETIAS Guides

Travel documents and passport showing ETIAS validity and duration for European travel — Your ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires

How Long Is ETIAS Valid?

A valid ETIAS travel authorization lasts for 3 years from the date of issuance, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this 3-year period, you can make unlimited trips to the Schengen Area without reapplying.

For example, if you receive your ETIAS approval on March 1, 2026, and your passport expires on March 1, 2030, your ETIAS will be valid until March 1, 2029 (3 years from issuance). However, if your passport expires on December 31, 2027, your ETIAS will also expire on that date, even though the 3-year period has not elapsed.

This validity structure is defined in Article 36 of EU Regulation 2018/1240.

The 90/180-Day Stay Rule Explained

While ETIAS is valid for 3 years, it does not allow unlimited stays in Europe. Each visit to the Schengen Area is subject to the 90/180-day rule:

You may stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period
The 180-day period is calculated backwards from each day of your stay
Days spent in all Schengen countries combined count toward the 90-day limit
You cannot reset the counter by leaving and re-entering the Schengen Area

Airport departure board showing flight destinations for ETIAS Schengen travel duration — Track your days carefully — the 90/180 rule applies across all Schengen countries

90/180-Day Rule Example

Imagine you arrive in Paris on January 1 and stay in the Schengen Area for 60 days until March 1. You then leave Europe. On April 15, you want to return. Looking back 180 days from April 15 (to October 18 of the previous year), you have spent 60 days in the Schengen Area. That means you have 30 remaining days (90 minus 60) that you can use.

The European Commission provides a free Short-Stay Visa Calculator to help you track your remaining days.

When Does ETIAS Expire?

Your ETIAS travel authorization expires under any of the following conditions:

3 years have passed since the date of issuance
Your passport expires — ETIAS links directly to your specific passport number
ETIAS is revoked or annulled — This can happen if your circumstances change (e.g., you gain citizenship of an EU country or if security concerns arise)

How to Renew Your ETIAS

There is no formal renewal process for ETIAS. When your authorization expires, you simply apply for a new one. The process is the same as your initial application — complete the online form, pay the EUR 20 fee, and receive a new 3-year authorization.

Pro tip: If your passport is expiring soon, consider renewing your passport first, then applying for ETIAS with the new passport. This ensures your ETIAS will last the full 3 years rather than expiring with your old passport.

Santorini coastline at sunset showing beautiful European travel destination accessible with valid ETIAS — With a 3-year ETIAS validity, you can make multiple trips to destinations like Santorini

ETIAS Validity Compared to Other Systems

System	Validity	Maximum Stay	Cost
ETIAS (Europe)	3 years	90 days per 180-day period	EUR 20
US ESTA	2 years	90 days per visit	$40 USD
Canada eTA	5 years	6 months per visit	CAD $7
UK ETA	2 years	6 months per visit	GBP 20
Australia ETA	12 months	3 months per visit	AUD $20

Frequently Asked Questions About ETIAS Validity

Brandenburg Gate Berlin Germany European landmark destination with ETIAS authorization — Visit iconic European landmarks like Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate with your 3-year ETIAS

How long does ETIAS last?

ETIAS is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited trips to the Schengen Area, with each stay limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Can I stay in Europe for more than 90 days with ETIAS?

No. ETIAS follows the standard Schengen short-stay rules, which limit visits to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national long-stay visa (Type D visa) from the specific country where you plan to reside.

What happens if my ETIAS expires while I am in Europe?

If your ETIAS expires during your stay in the Schengen Area, you can still remain until the end of your authorized stay period (up to 90 days). ETIAS must be valid at the time of entry, but an expiration during your visit does not require you to leave immediately.

Do I need a new ETIAS if I get a new passport?

Yes. ETIAS is linked to your specific passport number. If you renew your passport or receive a new one, your existing ETIAS becomes invalid and you must apply for a new ETIAS authorization linked to your new passport.