Starting in mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require nationals from around 60 visa-free countries – including the U.S., U.K. and Canada – to obtain electronic travel authorisation before entering most European countries for short-term stays. ETIAS is designed to streamline entry into Europe for eligible travellers and enhance border security. Here is a breakdown of what ETIAS means, who needs it, who is exempt and how to apply.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation (not a visa) for nationals of approximately 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to Europe. It is designed to streamline entry for travellers from these countries for short-term travel across 30 European countries. Once in place, all eligible travellers will need to apply online before their trip to Europe. This mandatory travel authorisation is valid for up to three years (or until the passport used in the application expires), allows multiple stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is linked to the traveller’s passport.
Which countries require ETIAS?
These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation:
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Who needs ETIAS?
As a general rule, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you meet all the following criteria:
- You are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for short-term stays in the European countries requiring ETIAS:
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- You are not a national of a European country requiring ETIAS;
- You do not have a residence permit / card / document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Who does not need ETIAS?
- Citizens of EU and Schengen countries, and their close family members with residency or freedom of movement rights;
- Current residents in an ETIAS-participating country, including those with work or residence permits;
- Holders of long-stay visas or special permits (e.g. humanitarian grounds);
- Schengen visa holders (for stays over 90 days or certain employment purposes).
There are several additional scenarios where some travellers may be exempt from the requirement to have an ETIAS travel authorisation. And equally, there are some visa-required travellers who may also apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. If you are unsure, check the official ETIAS website to confirm your eligibility.
Types of ETIAS Travel Authorisation
ETIAS includes two types of authorisations:
- Standard ETIAS: For most travellers, valid for three years or until the passport expires, with multiple entries allowed;
- Limited-Validity ETIAS: Designed for travellers with urgent or humanitarian needs, such as medical emergencies or court appearances, particularly if their standard ETIAS application is expected to be denied or has already been refused, revoked, or annulled. This is valid for up to 90 days from entry and allows travel only to the specific countries listed in the travel authorisation.
How to Apply for ETIAS
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your nationality qualifies.
- Prepare Documents: Have a valid biometric passport (it should not expire within three months of your planned return nor be older than 10 years) and a payment method.
- Submit Your Application: Fill out an online form via the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
- Pay the €7 Fee: For applicants aged 18–70. Minors, seniors, and certain family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with freedom of movement rights within the European Union are exempt from the payment.
Once submitted, ETIAS applications are typically processed quickly – many receive immediate approval, but in some cases, the process may take longer.
Additional Documentation for Limited-Validity ETIAS: If applying for Limited-Validity ETIAS, be prepared to provide detailed documentation related to your urgent travel. A consulate may review and verify these details if necessary.
Important reminders for family and third-party applications
You can apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation yourself, or you can authorise somebody else to do this for you, such as a friend, a family member or a commercial intermediary, like a travel agency. If authorising a third party to carry out the ETIAS travel authorisation application on your behalf (or on behalf of a minor over whom you exercise either parental authority or legal guardianship), both you and the third party will need to sign a Declaration of Representation.
When considering third-party applications:
- Choose Trusted Agents as you’ll share sensitive information, including passport details.
- Ensure the intermediary uses your personal email address when applying for your travel authorisation, as ETIAS authorities will send communications to this email address for the entire validity of your travel authorisation. If you don’t have access to the email address provided in the application, you may not receive essential information regarding your application and travel authorisation.
- Confirm Data Accuracy to avoid errors that could result in refusal or travel delays. Ask the third party to share a copy of the draft application with you, before they submit it, for your review. Incorrect information in your application may result in your ETIAS travel authorisation being refused, revoked or annulled. You will also be refused boarding and entry to the ETIAS-participating countries if the data in your travel document does not correspond to the data in your ETIAS travel authorisation.
When does ETIAS start?
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The roll-out of ETIAS has been delayed several times, but it is currently expected to be mid-2025.
Transitional period: ETIAS will start with a transitional period of at least six months. During this time, travellers should already apply for their ETIAS travel authorisation, but those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all remaining entry conditions.
Grace period: Following the transitional period, there will be a grace period, where all travellers must have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter the ETIAS-participating countries. There is an exception: only those coming to Europe for the first time since the end of the transitional period will be allowed to enter without an ETIAS provided they fulfil all remaining entry conditions. All other travellers will be refused entry if they do not hold an ETIAS travel authorisation. The grace period will last at least six months.
After this, all eligible travellers must hold an ETIAS authorisation to enter ETIAS-requiring countries, with limited exceptions.
What to Do Next
Ensure your travel documents meet the requirements and monitor updates to the ETIAS system as the launch date approaches. Apply as early as possible once the system goes live to avoid disruptions to your travel plans. For peace of mind, bookmark the official ETIAS site and double-check your eligibility and document readiness before submitting your application. Happy travelling!
