Who it applies to
Nationals of countries whose citizens can visit without a visa — such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada or Australia — travelling to any of the 30 European countries that will require it. People who need a visa apply for that visa instead, and EU citizens do not need ETIAS.
How it will work
The EU expects ETIAS to start operating in the last quarter of 2026. Until it does, travellers do not need to do anything.
- You apply online, only on the official ETIAS website or app, before you travel. There is no consulate appointment and no fingerprints.
- The fee is €20. Travellers under 18 or over 70 do not pay it.
- Most applications are decided within minutes. Some take up to four days, with up to 14 more if extra documents are requested, or 30 more if you are invited to an interview.
- Once approved, it is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS, EES and the 90 days: three different things
They are easy to mix up. ETIAS is permission to travel, requested online before your trip. EES is the border system that records when you enter and leave. The 90/180 rule is the limit on how long you may stay. An approved ETIAS gives you no extra days, and a three-year authorisation does not mean three years in Europe: every stay still has to fit within 90 days in any 180.
Common questions
Do I need ETIAS right now?
Not yet. It is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026, and until then no action is required. Check the official EU travel website before each trip, since the start date has already moved several times.
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It is a pre-travel check for people who do not need a visa. It is cheaper and quicker than a visa, with no consulate visit and no fingerprints, but it is not a guarantee of entry: the decision at the border still rests with the border guard.
Where should I apply?
Only on the official ETIAS website or app. Unofficial sites that charge extra to submit the application for you are common with travel authorisations, so check the address before you pay anything.
Do I need ETIAS for the United Kingdom or Ireland?
No. ETIAS covers the Schengen Area and Cyprus, not the UK or Ireland. The UK has its own electronic travel authorisation, the ETA, which works in a similar way.
Check it at the source
These are the official EU pages this guide is based on. The start date and the details can still change before launch.