Travellers applying for ETIAS do not need to submit health details, vaccination status or biometric data as part of the application. The system is designed around identity, travel and security checks, and misleading claims can cause unnecessary confusion.
In August 2024, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that the Entry/Exit System was on track for a November 2024 start, with ETIAS to follow six months later. This article reflects the reporting at that time — note that the EES eventually launched in October 2025 and the ETIAS fee was confirmed at €20, not the €7 cited here.
The Guardian issued a correction in July 2025 confirming that the ETIAS visa waiver will cost €20 when it is introduced, not the €7 figure cited in earlier reporting. This article explains what the €20 fee covers, who is exempt, and when the system is expected to go live.
When ETIAS launches, you will not need to submit the application yourself. A trusted person or travel agent can do it on your behalf — but there are important safeguards to follow.
Misinformation about ETIAS is widespread. From which countries require it to how long it is valid, many common claims are simply wrong. Here are seven myths — and the facts behind them.
Australian travellers are facing new pre-travel requirements for both the United States and Europe. The US Global Entry programme and the EU's ETIAS both require advance authorisation before crossing their respective borders.
From late 2026, non-EU travellers flying to Europe will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before boarding. Learn how the system works at airports, on arrival, and during international transits.
The ETIAS application fee is set to increase from EUR 7 to EUR 20 before the system's launch in 2026.
ETIAS applications can be completed by a travel agent, friend or relative, but the traveller remains responsible for the information submitted. The official rules focus on trust, written authorisation and transparency over fees.
ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System are often discussed together, but they do not do the same job. One is a pre-travel authorisation, while the other is a border registration system used when travellers actually arrive.