What is ETIAS? A guide to Europe's new entry rule

For decades, millions of people have been able to travel to Europe with little more than a valid passport and a return ticket. But starting in 2025, that will change. The European Union (E.U.) intends to launch the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) program in 2025, requiring all visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-clearance to enter 30 European countries.

Fortunately, the ETIAS application process is relatively straightforward, so don’t let it deter you from planning your future European vacation. Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS, including whether or not you need to obtain it.

Last update:
During the last quarter of 2023, the European Union decided to postpone the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until mid-2025.

The new roadmap for the delivery of the new IT architecture foresees that the Entry/Exit system will be ready to enter into operation in Autumn 2024 and that ETIAS will be ready to enter into operation in Spring 2025.

EU Council (from schengenvisainfo.com)

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It’s an electronic travel authorization established by the E.U. that certain travelers will need to obtain in order to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS is not a visa, but simply an authorization for travel. It will be digitally attached to your passport, so you shouldn’t need to present a physical version to a border agent when entering Europe.

While ETIAS is an entry requirement for those countries for many travelers, obtaining one does not guarantee entry into them, as you still must meet other entry requirements, such as having a valid passport.

Expert Tip: Even though ETIAS is digitally attached to your travel document, I would still take a screenshot of or print out your ETIAS approval email, just in case there are technical difficulties.

Why has it been created?

ETIAS is a security measure designed to identify risks among visa-exempt travelers to the E.U. Those risks include security threats, irregular migration and epidemic spread.

When will ETIAS be implemented?

The E.U. has not announced a start date, but it anticipates launching the ETIAS program in 2025.

How much will ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS application fee is €7, or approximately $7.50. Travelers younger than 18 or older than 70 are exempt from the application fee.

How long is ETIAS valid?

ETIAS is valid for three years or until the expiration of your travel document attached to ETIAS: whichever comes first. As such, you will not need to apply for ETIAS each time you travel to Europe within that window of validity.

Which countries in Europe require ETIAS for entry?

The following countries will add ETIAS to their entry requirements (source: etias.com):

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France

Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

Who needs to get ETIAS?

Travelers who do not need a visa for Europe will need to obtain ETIAS. That means all travelers from more than 60 visa-exempt countries who are traveling to Europe for a short stay of fewer than 90 days will need ETIAS.

Do U.S. Citizens need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Most U.S. citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Europe. However, U.S. citizens who have received a visa to travel to Europe, such as students or workers, will not need ETIAS. That’s because ETIAS is specifically for visa-exempt travelers.

How early should you apply before traveling?

The E.U. recommends applying for ETIAS before you book your travel to Europe. In other words, you should apply as soon as possible. The ETIAS approvals process is largely automated, and most applicants will be approved within minutes. However, if the E.U. requires you to submit additional documents and/or attend an interview, the process may take up to 30 days.

Your ETIAS application in 3 steps

1. Ensure you have a valid travel document for entry into Europe, such as a passport.

2. Fill out an application on the ETIAS website or ETIAS mobile app. The application asks you questions about your identity, your education and occupation, your travel plans and your history regarding criminal convictions or travels to conflict zones. At this point, you will pay the €7 application fee.

3. Once approved, you will receive a notification via email. Double-check that your information is correct. If there are any mistakes, you will either need to apply for a new ETIAS or request a change to your existing ETIAS, though the latter may take up to 30 days to process.

Will your travels to Europe be impacted?

If you are a U.S. citizen or a citizen of any other visa-exempt country, it is likely that your travels to Europe will be impacted. You will need to apply for ETIAS in advance of your trip. Without this travel authorization, you will not be able to enter 30 European countries.

Visa for Europe: what if you stay longer than 90 days?

ETIAS is not a visa, and it is limited to travelers spending up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Europe. If you plan on staying in Europe longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa through the embassy of the country in which you plan on spending the majority of your time. If you do not have a visa and you stay in Europe longer than 90 days, you may be subject to fines, travel bans and deportation.

Conclusion

While ETIAS adds an extra step for many individuals traveling to Europe, it’s a fairly straightforward and affordable process. Just be sure to apply well in advance of your trip once the ETIAS program goes into effect in 2025.

How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide

As a travel writer, my work takes me all over the world, and I usually take several trips to Europe each year. Part of the job entails being cognizant of my destinations’ entry requirements, so I’ve been monitoring ETIAS closely. I’ve deeply researched ETIAS via the E.U.’s website to bring you the essential information that’s available to the public at this time.

Young Asian business woman going on a business trip. Business and leisure travel.

Frequent questions about the new “visa” for Europe

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about ETIAS.

Yes, most U.S. citizens will need ETIAS in order to travel to Europe. The exception is U.S. citizens who have obtained visas to enter Europe, such as student visas or work visas.

No, ETIAS is not in operation in 2023.

The launch of the ETIAS program was indeed planned for 2024 but has been postponed to mid-2025. In other words, you will be able to travel to Europe as usual in 2024, but should start to get ready for the upcoming change.

Some travelers need a visa to go to Europe: specifically travelers from visa-required countries or travelers from visa-exempt countries planning to stay in Europe for more than 90 days.

The visa rules will not change due to the implementation of ETIAS. Americans planning to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days need a visa. ETIAS, however, is not a visa. Americans traveling to Europe for up to 90 days will need ETIAS starting sometime in 2025.

Travelers who need a visa for Europe will need to apply via the country in which they plan to spend the majority of their time. Applications typically require a visit to the Consulate of that country in your homeland.

The foregoing article was last updated on the 24th of October 2023. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
https://etias.com/
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-authorisation-system_en
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/where-and-how-apply-schengen-visa_en

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What is ETIAS? A guide to Europe’s new entry rule