ETIAS: What You Need Before It Starts

ETIAS is a new travel authorisation required for visa-exempt travellers visiting the Schengen Area and Cyprus for short stays. It is not a visa.

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Online application
Quick approval
Valid up to 3 years

Key Facts
Good to know

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Planned for Q4 2026, after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is operational.

Who needs ETIAS

Visa-exempt nationals visiting for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Validity

Up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Multiple entries

Allowed while ETIAS is valid and within the 90/180 rule. ETIAS is pre-travel screening, not a visa or residence permit.

How ETIAS Works

Simple steps to get your travel authorisation

Apply Online

Complete the online application form with your passport and personal details. Most applications take just a few minutes.

Automated Check

The system automatically checks your information against security databases. Most approvals happen within minutes.

Receive Approval

Get your ETIAS authorisation via email. It's digitally linked to your passport—no need to print anything.

Travel with Confidence

Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically by border authorities.

ETIAS Coverage Map

ETIAS applies to all Schengen Area countries and Cyprus. Click on regions to learn more.

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Essential Resources

Everything you need to know about ETIAS

ETIAS Overview

Understand what ETIAS is, where it applies, and how it relates to the EES timeline. Comprehensive guide to the system.

Eligibility & Countries

Check who needs ETIAS by nationality and see requirements by destination country. Find out if you're affected.

Apply & Requirements

Learn the step-by-step application process and the documents you'll need. Get ready before the system launches.

Costs & Validity

See the fee, exemptions, validity rules, and the 90/180-day stay examples. Understand the costs involved.

FAQs

Find clear answers to the most common questions about ETIAS, eligibility, application, and travel requirements.

News & Updates

Stay current on timelines, airports, and official announcements. Get the latest ETIAS news and updates.

Get notified when ETIAS goes live

Join our mailing list for early alerts on the official start date, fee changes, and application process. Be among the first to know.

Latest Articles

Stay informed with our latest insights

ETIAS timeline: what we know so far

Current expectation: ETIAS will become operational in the last quarter of 2026, after the EU completes the rollout of the EES across external borders.

Authorities previously indicated ETIAS would start roughly six months after EES becomes fully operational.

Read the full article

EES vs ETIAS: key differences for travellers

ETIAS: pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. Applied for online before departure. No biometrics collected for authorisation.

EES (Entry/Exit System): in-person biometric registration at the EU external border for non-EU short-stay travellers, replacing passport stamping.

Read the full article

Find your answers

No, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. ETIAS screens travellers before departure to strengthen border security while keeping legitimate travel simple. It does not grant the right to work or study.

You should apply for ETIAS before your planned travel. The system is expected to become operational in Q4 2026. Once it goes live, you'll need to apply online and receive approval before travelling to the Schengen Area or Cyprus.

Yes, minors require ETIAS, but fee exemptions may apply for children under a certain age. Check the official ETIAS website for the latest fee information and exemptions when the system launches.

ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years from approval, or until the passport used to apply expires—whichever comes first. You can make multiple entries during the validity period while respecting the 90/180-day rule.