Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
General
Basic information about what ETIAS is and how it works.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals travelling to Europe. It is not a visa—it's a pre-travel screening that allows authorities to assess travellers before they arrive. The application is completed entirely online, and approved travellers receive an electronic authorisation linked to their passport.
ETIAS is expected to become operational in Q4 2026, approximately six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational. The exact launch date will be announced by the European Commission. Until then, visa-exempt travellers can continue visiting ETIAS countries without pre-travel authorisation.
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—for that, you'll need the appropriate visa or residence permit.
ETIAS will be required for travel to 30 European countries: all 27 Schengen members, 4 Schengen-associated states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), plus Cyprus. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and does not require ETIAS. The UK has its own system (ETA).
Both systems are part of the EU's border modernisation. ETIAS is applied for before travel (online) and is for visa-exempt nationals only—no biometrics required. EES is at the border and applies to all non-EU short-stay travellers, recording entries/exits with biometrics. If you're visa-exempt, you'll need both: ETIAS before travel and EES at the border.
Eligibility
Find out if you need ETIAS for your trip to Europe.
You need ETIAS if you hold a passport from one of the 59 visa-exempt countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK), you're travelling to one of the 30 ETIAS countries, your visit is for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), and your purpose is tourism, business, transit, or short-term study.
You do NOT need ETIAS if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, hold a valid Schengen visa, have a residence permit from an ETIAS country, have a long-stay (Type D) visa, are a family member of an EU citizen with a residence card, or hold a diplomatic passport on official business.
Yes, all travellers need their own ETIAS, including infants and children. Each child must have their own valid passport and their own ETIAS authorisation. Good news: The €20 fee is waived for travellers under 18 years old and those over 70.
If you have an EU/EEA passport, use that—no ETIAS needed. If your non-EU passport is from a visa-exempt country, you'll need ETIAS for that passport. Important: Always travel with the same passport you used for your ETIAS application, as the authorisation is linked to that specific document.
Yes. Since Brexit, UK citizens are considered third-country nationals and will need ETIAS for short visits to ETIAS countries. The same rules apply as for other visa-exempt nationals: online application, €20 fee (with age exemptions), and up to 3 years validity.
Application
How to apply for ETIAS once applications open.
Once ETIAS launches, apply through the official ETIAS website (europa.eu domain) or the official mobile app. You'll fill out an online form with personal and passport details, answer background questions, pay the €20 fee (if applicable), and receive the decision by email. Warning: Only use official EU websites—beware of unofficial sites charging excessive fees.
ETIAS requires minimal documentation: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, an email address you can access, and a payment method (credit/debit card). You do NOT need to provide photos, fingerprints, flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, or proof of employment.
The form takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Processing time: Most applications get a decision within minutes (automated). Some may take up to 96 hours for manual review. Complex cases requiring additional information may take up to 30 days.
No, applications are not yet open. ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026. Any website currently offering to process ETIAS applications is either unofficial, fraudulent, or providing other services unrelated to the actual ETIAS system.
Yes, a third party can submit an application on your behalf—useful for parents applying for children, travel agents helping clients, or caregivers assisting elderly travellers. However, you remain responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
Costs & Validity
Fees, how long ETIAS lasts, and renewal information.
The ETIAS application fee is €20. Fee exemptions apply to travellers under 18 years old, travellers over 70 years old, and EU citizens' family members with residence cards. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
An approved ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. During its validity, you can make unlimited trips to ETIAS countries, as long as you respect the 90/180-day rule for each stay.
Your ETIAS is linked to your passport. If your passport expires, your ETIAS automatically becomes invalid. You'll need to apply for a new ETIAS with your new passport and pay the fee again (unless exempt).
There is no "renewal" process. When your ETIAS expires, you simply submit a new application and pay the fee again (if applicable). The process is the same as the original application.
No, the application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. This covers the cost of processing your application, not the authorisation itself.
Travel Rules
Stay limits, transit rules, and border procedures.
The 90/180-day rule limits how long you can stay in the Schengen Area: maximum 90 days within any 180-day period. Days in ALL Schengen countries count together. The 180-day period is a "rolling" window—it looks back from any given day. Example: If you spent 90 days in France and Germany in March-May, you cannot re-enter any Schengen country until 90 days have passed since your first entry.
No. An approved ETIAS authorises you to travel to the border, but it does not guarantee entry. Border officers can still refuse entry if you don't meet standard entry conditions, can't demonstrate sufficient funds, have overstayed on previous visits, or your stated purpose of travel is inconsistent.
Airside transit (staying in international zone): Generally no ETIAS needed if you don't pass through border control. Landside transit (leaving airport, changing terminals): ETIAS required. Connecting flights requiring re-check-in: ETIAS required if you pass through passport control.
ETIAS does NOT permit work. It's only for tourism and leisure, business meetings and conferences, short-term study (courses under 90 days), medical treatment, and transit. For employment or long-term study, you'll need the appropriate visa or residence permit.
No. ETIAS is entirely digital and linked to your passport. Border officers can verify your authorisation electronically. However, it's recommended to keep a digital copy of your approval email accessible on your phone in case of technical issues.
Issues & Appeals
What to do if your application is refused or you encounter problems.
If refused, you'll receive notification by email with the reason for refusal (at a general level), which authority made the decision, and instructions on how to appeal. A refusal is NOT a permanent ban—you may still be able to apply for a traditional Schengen visa.
Common reasons include: security concerns (name matches on watchlists), immigration history (overstays, deportations, entry refusals), criminal record (certain serious offences), false information, travel to high-risk areas (conflict zones), and certain health risks (rare).
Yes, you have the right to appeal any ETIAS refusal. Appeal procedures vary by member state. You may need to submit written arguments or additional documentation. Time limits apply—act promptly after receiving the refusal notice. The notice will include specific instructions for your situation.
Before submitting: Review and correct before submission. After submitting: For passport number errors, you may need to submit a new application. For other errors, contact the ETIAS Central Unit. Always keep your confirmation emails and application references.
Yes. An ETIAS can be annulled or revoked if the original conditions are no longer met, false information was discovered, you're placed on a security watchlist, or your passport is reported lost/stolen. If revoked while in the Schengen Area, you may be required to leave.
"False positive" matches are possible, especially for common names. Your application may take longer for manual review, you might be asked for extra information, and if refused incorrectly, you can appeal. Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow time for resolution.
Explore More
Find detailed information on eligibility, application, and overview