{"id":2252,"date":"2026-06-26T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europe-visa.eu\/?p=2252"},"modified":"2026-07-03T12:55:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T12:55:13","slug":"etias-application-process-step-by-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/europe-visa.eu\/uk\/blog\/etias-application-process-step-by-step\/","title":{"rendered":"\u041f\u0440\u043e\u0446\u0435\u0441 \u043f\u043e\u0434\u0430\u043d\u043d\u044f \u0437\u0430\u044f\u0432\u043a\u0438 ETIAS 2026: \u041f\u043e\u043a\u0440\u043e\u043a\u043e\u0432\u0438\u0439 \u043f\u043e\u0441\u0456\u0431\u043d\u0438\u043a"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ETIAS application process is a short online form that most travellers complete in 10 to 20 minutes for a \u20ac20 fee.<\/strong> This guide walks you through the ETIAS application process step by step, from gathering your passport details to receiving your travel authorisation by email. Whether you are visiting one Schengen country or several, understanding the ETIAS application process before you start saves time and avoids the small errors that lead to delays.<\/p>\n

TL;DR:<\/strong> The ETIAS application costs \u20ac20 (free for under-18s and over-70s), is valid for three years or until your passport expires, and lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across 30 European countries. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some can take up to 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nValue<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Fee<\/td>\n\u20ac20 (waived for applicants under 18 or over 70)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Validity<\/td>\n3 years, or until your passport expires<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Processing time<\/td>\nUsually minutes; up to 30 days in rare cases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allowed stay<\/td>\n90 days within any 180-day period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coverage<\/td>\n30 European countries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Before you begin, it helps to read our overview of ETIAS authorisation in 2026<\/a> so you know what to expect at each stage. The official scheme is run by the European Union, and you should only ever apply through the government channel described on the official EU ETIAS website<\/a> (accessed 22 June 2026).<\/p>\n

What is the ETIAS application process and who needs it?<\/h2>\n

The ETIAS application process is the mandatory pre-travel authorisation that visa-exempt visitors must complete online before entering any of the 30 participating European countries, and it must be approved before you board your flight, ferry or train towards the external Schengen border.<\/strong> It applies to nationals of around 60 visa-free countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. ETIAS is not a visa; it is an electronic travel authorisation linked to your passport, similar in concept to the US ESTA. Carriers will check that a valid authorisation exists before they allow you to travel, so completing it in good time matters.<\/p>\n

\"Traveller<\/figure>\n

According to the European Commission, ETIAS will cover travel to 30 European countries and is expected to become mandatory in the last quarter of 2026 (European Union ETIAS overview<\/a>, accessed 22 June 2026). The \u20ac20 fee was confirmed by the EU in 2024 and applies to each applicant aged 18 to 70 (European Commission<\/a>, accessed 22 June 2026). For a fuller list of who must apply, see our guide to ETIAS eligible nationalities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Traveller<\/th>\nETIAS required?<\/th>\nFee<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
US, UK, Canada, Australia citizens (18\u201370)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u20ac20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Applicants under 18 or over 70<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n\u20ac0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
EU\/Schengen citizens<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Holders of a Schengen residence permit<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

ETIAS application process step by step<\/h2>\n

The ETIAS application process step by step takes most travellers 10 to 20 minutes online, and you can complete it on a phone, tablet or computer without any need to visit an embassy, post a form or attend an in-person appointment at a consulate.<\/strong> You will need a valid passport, a debit or credit card, and an email address that you can access during the trip. Follow the numbered stages below carefully to avoid the most common delays, because a single mistyped detail can push your application into a slower manual review queue.<\/p>\n

\"Step-by-step<\/figure>\n
    \n
  1. Open the official application:<\/strong> Go only to the official EU ETIAS portal<\/a> or the official app. Avoid copycat sites that charge extra service fees.<\/li>\n
  2. Enter your passport details:<\/strong> Type your name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number exactly as printed. Your passport must be valid and, in most cases, was issued within the last 10 years.<\/li>\n
  3. Answer the background questions:<\/strong> Provide your address, intended country of first entry, and answers to security and health questions.<\/li>\n
  4. Pay the \u20ac20 fee:<\/strong> Pay online by card. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused.<\/li>\n
  5. Submit and wait for the decision:<\/strong> Most applicants receive approval within minutes by email, though some cases take longer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Pro tip:<\/strong> Apply at least 96 hours (four days) before departure. The European Commission advises this buffer because a minority of applications are referred for manual review, which can take several days.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Once approved, your authorisation is linked electronically to the passport you used, so carry that same passport when you travel (EU ETIAS application guidance<\/a>, accessed 22 June 2026). If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS.<\/p>\n

    What documents and information you need to apply<\/h2>\n

    To complete the ETIAS application you need a biometric passport valid for your whole trip, a working email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the \u20ac20 fee.<\/strong> Having these ready before you start prevents the session from timing out and reduces input errors that can trigger a manual review.<\/p>\n

    \"Passport<\/figure>\n

    The EU confirms that ETIAS authorisation is valid for up to three years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first (European Union ETIAS validity rules<\/a>, accessed 22 June 2026). During that period you may enter the participating countries as often as you like, provided each stay respects the 90-days-in-180 rule. For the full paperwork list, read our ETIAS documents needed checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n