ETIAS FAQ

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a mandatory digital travel authorisation created by the European Union under EU Regulation 2018/1240. Starting Q4 2026, citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries must obtain an approved ETIAS before entering any of the 30 European countries in the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa — it is an electronic pre-travel screening system similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA, designed to enhance border security while preserving visa-free travel.

ETIAS is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026, according to the latest European Commission timeline. After launch, there will be a 6-month transitional period during which travelers without ETIAS may still be permitted entry. After this grace period, ETIAS becomes mandatory for all eligible travelers. The system has been developed by eu-LISA (European Union Agency for Large-Scale IT Systems).

No, ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorisation, fundamentally different from a Schengen visa. Key differences: ETIAS is applied for entirely online (no embassy visit), costs only €20 (vs. €80 for a visa), is processed in minutes (vs. 15–45 days), and requires only a passport, email, and payment card (vs. extensive documentation including bank statements, travel insurance, and invitation letters). ETIAS is comparable to the United States’ ESTA and the United Kingdom’s ETA.

ETIAS costs €20 for travelers aged 18 to 70. It is completely free for children under 18 and adults over 70. The fee covers the administrative costs of processing the application and is paid online by credit or debit card. For comparison, the US ESTA costs $21 USD and the UK ETA costs £10. The €20 fee was set by the European Commission to make the system affordable while covering operational costs.

An approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this validity period, you can make unlimited trips to any of the 30 ETIAS-covered European countries. Each visit is limited to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS.

ETIAS is required for entry into 30 European countries: the 27 Schengen Area member states (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. See our complete ETIAS countries list for details.

You apply for ETIAS through the official ETIAS website or mobile app (available for iOS and Android from Q4 2026). The process has 5 steps: (1) access the official portal, (2) complete the application form with personal, passport, and travel details (~10 minutes), (3) pay the €20 fee by card, (4) receive your decision via email (usually within minutes), and (5) travel to Europe with your passport (ETIAS is linked electronically). See our full application guide.

According to eu-LISA, approximately 95% of ETIAS applications are processed automatically within minutes. If additional information is requested, the processing time extends to up to 96 hours. In rare cases requiring manual review by national authorities (approximately 2% of applications), processing can take up to 4 weeks (30 days). The European Commission recommends applying at least 72 hours before your departure.

No, ETIAS applications are not yet open. The system is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026. Any website claiming to accept ETIAS applications before the official launch date is not an official EU service. We recommend bookmarking the official EU travel portal (travel-europe.europa.eu) and this page for updates on the exact launch date.

Yes, all travelers need their own ETIAS, including children and infants. However, the application for minors under 18 is completely free (no €20 fee). A parent or legal guardian can complete the application on behalf of a child. The child still needs their own valid biometric passport, and the ETIAS is linked to the child’s passport.

Yes. You can submit ETIAS applications for family members, including children, elderly relatives, and other dependents. Each person requires their own individual ETIAS linked to their own passport. The system also supports group applications, allowing you to submit multiple applications in a single session — particularly useful for families traveling together.

You need only three things: (1) a valid biometric passport from an ETIAS-eligible country with at least 3 months’ validity beyond your planned stay, (2) a working email address to receive your authorisation, and (3) a credit or debit card for the €20 fee. No photos, travel insurance, bank statements, or invitation letters are required — unlike a Schengen visa application. See our full requirements page.

With an approved ETIAS, you can visit 30 European countries: all 27 Schengen Area member states plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. You can travel freely between these countries during your stay. ETIAS does not cover non-Schengen EU countries like Ireland, or non-EU countries like the United Kingdom (which has its own ETA system). See our ETIAS countries page for the full list.

The 90/180-day rule means you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This applies to all visa-exempt travelers, regardless of how many countries you visit. The 180-day period is calculated as a rolling window, not a fixed calendar period. For example, if you enter on January 1 and stay 90 days, you cannot re-enter until approximately July 1. Use the European Commission’s official short-stay calculator to plan your trips.

No, ETIAS does not permit paid employment in any European country. ETIAS covers short-stay visits for tourism, business meetings, conferences, transit, medical treatment, and short educational programs (under 90 days). If you wish to work, study long-term, or reside in a European country, you must apply for the appropriate national visa or residence permit through that country’s embassy or consulate.

If your ETIAS application is denied, you will receive an email specifying the grounds for refusal. Under Article 40 of EU Regulation 2018/1240, you have the right to appeal the decision through the national authority of the EU member state that processed your application. You may also submit a new application if circumstances change. Alternatively, you can apply for a traditional Schengen visa through an embassy or consulate.

If you obtain a new passport while your ETIAS is still valid, you must apply for a new ETIAS. Your previous ETIAS was linked to your old passport and cannot be transferred. The new application requires the standard €20 fee and follows the same process. Your new ETIAS will be valid for 3 years from the new approval date.