Europe is introducing a new entry requirement that has many travellers confused and a bit nervous. Headlines about needing “permission to enter Europe” have led some to worry that a new visa will be required for every trip. In reality, Europe’s upcoming ETIAS system is not a visa at all – it’s a quick online travel authorisation similar to programs many other countries use.

If you’ve ever applied for the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA, you have a good idea of what to expect. Once ETIAS launches, visa-exempt visitors will fill out a simple form online, pay a small fee, and receive an electronic approval before their trip.

This explainer will clear up what ETIAS is and isn’t, who will actually need an ETIAS authorisation to travel, how it works step by step, how much it costs, and when it goes into effect. The goal is to give ordinary travellers a clear, factual guide so you can prepare for your 2026 Europe trips without stress.

Rest assured: ETIAS is designed as a routine pre-travel step, not a barrier. It aims to enhance security and smooth out border crossings, but it won’t change the visa-free status of eligible travellers or make visiting Europe difficult. Let’s break down everything you need to know, in plain language.

Read also:

What ETIAS is in clear terms

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. In simple terms, it is an automated travel authorisation for visitors from countries that don’t need a visa to visit Europe.

Think of it as a lightweight security check done before you travel. You apply online and get verified against security databases; if all is well, you receive an approval linked to your passport.

ETIAS was created to screen travellers for any security, irregular migration or public health risks ahead of their trip, while making travel easier for everyone else. By catching any red flags in advance, ETIAS helps border authorities know more about visa-exempt visitors before they arrive.

What does ETIAS do, and what does it not do? Here’s a quick overview:

  • ETIAS does: verify your identity and travel details against EU security databases before you depart, confirm you meet entry requirements (like not being on a watchlist), and link an electronic travel authorisation to your passport for Europe’s border systems. It effectively gives you a green light to travel in advance, which can speed up border checks for the vast majority of people. ETIAS also protects against security threats by flagging individuals who might pose risks, all while respecting data privacy rules.

  • ETIAS does not: issue a physical visa or residence permit (it’s not a visa, and you won’t need to visit any embassy). It does not collect biometric data like fingerprints, nor require stacks of documents – just an online form. ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe; final admission is always decided by the border officer when you arrive. And crucially, ETIAS doesn’t change the visa-free status for short visits – it’s an additional requirement, but if you could travel to Europe without a visa before, that remains the case (you’ll just need to get an ETIAS authorisation online beforehand).

In short, ETIAS is a travel pre-check, not a traditional visa or an onerous new hurdle. For travelers used to hopping on a plane to Europe, it’s simply a new online step to complete before boarding.

When ETIAS starts and how rollout will work

As of December 2025, ETIAS is not yet in operation. The system is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 (late 2026). European authorities have deliberately postponed the launch multiple times to ensure all systems (and travelers) are ready, so this timeline could shift again. For now, the plan is that toward the end of 2026 ETIAS will go live and become a routine part of travel to Europe.

Once ETIAS kicks off, it won’t be a surprise overnight change. Officials have said they will announce the exact start date months in advance. There may even be a short grace period after launch – a few months when border authorities are lenient toward travelers who arrive unaware of the new rule. However, airlines and travel companies are expected to heavily publicise the requirement, and they will play a key role in enforcement from day one.

How will the rollout work? It’s planned to be fully electronic from the start. There will be an official ETIAS website (and likely a mobile app) where travelers can apply once the system goes live. Airlines, ferry companies, and other carriers will be required to check your ETIAS status before allowing boarding for Europe-bound journeys.

In practice, this means when you check in for a flight (or ferry, etc.) to a participating European country, the airline’s system will verify that your passport has a valid ETIAS attached. If you don’t have ETIAS approval by then, you won’t be allowed to board – similar to how airlines must check for visas or other entry docs. It will be “no ETIAS, no travel,” so getting this done in advance will be essential.

ETIAS will be implemented alongside the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), a biometric system at the borders (which will register non-EU travelers’ fingerprints and photos when they enter/exit). The two systems serve different purposes but work together.

When you arrive at an EU border, your passport will be scanned; the EES system will log your entry and check your 90-day limit, and it will simultaneously query the ETIAS database to ensure you have a valid travel authorisation. For travelers, this doesn’t add any extra steps at immigration – it happens behind the scenes in the computer.

If you have a valid ETIAS on file (and nothing else amiss), the border check should be routine. If someone tried to show up without an ETIAS after it’s mandatory, the border systems would flag it, but in reality the airlines are expected to catch that beforehand.

Key dates (as of Dec 2025): The European Commission confirms that ETIAS is expected to start by late 2026. For example, news from July 2025 mentioned the system “will start operations at the end of 2026.”. Travelers do not need to do anything until that official launch date – any website claiming to “get your ETIAS now” is fraudulent. In 2026, once the launch date is set, make a note in your travel plans to apply for ETIAS well before your trip.

Who actually needs ETIAS

ETIAS will apply to citizens of roughly 60 countries worldwide. In general, if you currently can visit Europe without a visa, you will need an ETIAS authorisation in the future. This includes travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and many more.

In fact, as of now 59 visa-exempt countries are slated to be in the program. These range from small nations (e.g. much of Latin America and Asia’s visa-waiver countries) up to the biggest sources of tourism (for example, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens will all require ETIAS).

To put it simply: if you are not an EU/EEA citizen, and you currently do not need a visa for short trips to Europe, then you will need an ETIAS once it’s operational. This covers short stays for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, or transit – basically visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period, which were previously visa-free.

Typical examples: a U.S. tourist on a two-week trip to France, a Canadian visiting Italy for 1 month, a Singaporean attending a conference in Germany, or a British family holidaying in Spain. All those travelers, who today enter with just a passport, will need to apply for ETIAS before those trips in the future.

Who does not need ETIAS? A few important groups:

  • EU/Schengen citizens (of course) do not need ETIAS to enter their own countries. If you hold an EU passport, ETIAS never applies to you.

  • Non-EU nationals who require a visa for Europe will not use ETIAS. If your nationality already requires obtaining a Schengen visa (for example, citizens of India, China, South Africa, and many other countries), you will continue to travel with that visa as before – ETIAS is only for visa-exempt visitors. In fact, the official guidance states: “If you are travelling on a visa, you don’t need an ETIAS.” The systems are separate.

  • Residents of European countries: If you are a non-EU national but you have a valid residency permit or long-term visa for an EU/Schengen country, you won’t need ETIAS to enter that country. For example, a Brit living in Germany with a residence card doesn’t need ETIAS to come home. (Irish residence also counts for Ireland, but note Ireland is outside ETIAS anyway.)

  • Irish citizens are exempt. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so travel to Ireland isn’t covered by ETIAS. If you only plan to visit Ireland (and not onward to Schengen Europe), no ETIAS is required. Likewise, Irish passport holders won’t need ETIAS to visit the Schengen Area either, due to separate arrangements.

  • Other exceptions: According to EU rules, certain travelers like family members of EU citizens or people with rights of free movement might be exempt from the fee or requirement in some cases. But for most tourists and business visitors, assume you’ll need it if your nationality is on the visa-waiver list.

It’s worth noting which countries ETIAS covers. It will be required for entry to 30 European countries that are in or linked to the Schengen free-travel zone. This includes all the mainstream destinations in continental Europe – for example France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, and so on, as well as Schengen associated states like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

It also extends to EU member states that are preparing to join Schengen such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus (sometimes called the “enlarged Schengen area”). Essentially, nearly all European countries except two: Ireland (which has its own rules) and the United Kingdom (which has separated and is launching its own ETA system for UK entry). Also, a few micro-states (like Andorra, San Marino, Monaco) have open borders with the EU – travel to those would involve entering via a Schengen country, so ETIAS would be needed at the point of entry.

If your Europe trip includes non-Schengen countries in Eastern Europe (for example, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, etc.), be aware those countries are outside the ETIAS scheme – they have their own entry policies. But any portion of your trip within the Schengen Area or associated countries will trigger the ETIAS requirement.

Even for a layover in a European airport, you don’t need ETIAS if you remain in the international transit area, but if you pass through immigration (e.g. to switch from an international flight to a Schengen domestic flight, or to leave the airport), then you would need ETIAS approval for that entry.

How ETIAS works step by step

When ETIAS is live, the application process will be straightforward and entirely online. There’s no embassy interview, no paperwork; you can do it from your computer or phone. Here is a step-by-step look at how to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation:

1. Access the official system: Once operational, go to the official ETIAS website (run by the EU) or use the official mobile app. The EU has made clear there is only one official site (with a.europa.eu address). Beware of any “ETIAS application” websites you might find before then – many are unofficial services or scams charging extra fees. Until the real system opens, do not submit personal data to any site claiming to process ETIAS.

2. Fill out the application form: The form will ask for basic personal and travel information. You’ll need to provide personal details (full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, home address, email, phone) , as well as passport details (passport number, issue and expiry date, etc.). You’ll also answer questions about your background and travel plans. Expect queries about your education and current occupation , the first European country you plan to visit, and some security questions – for example, any past criminal convictions, past travel to war or conflict zones, whether you’ve ever been deported or refused entry by any country, and any ties to certain epidemiological risks. Importantly, no biometric data or fingerprints are required, and you won’t be asked for things like vaccination status or bank statements – it’s just the online form info. Each traveler must submit their own form, including children (parents can fill it in for minors, but a separate application is needed per person).

3. Upload/enter your passport details: The application will require your passport information. In most cases you won’t literally “upload” a scan (the form will have fields for number, etc.), but you may need to provide a digital copy for verification. Make sure the data you enter matches your passport exactly – any discrepancy (like a nickname vs. legal name, or number off by one digit) can invalidate the ETIAS. Double-check spelling and numbers.

4. Answer eligibility and security questions: Near the end of the form, you will tick yes/no boxes or provide details for the background questions. Typical examples: “Do you have any criminal record in the past 10 years?”, “Have you traveled to any conflict zones in recent years?”, “Have you ever been deported from a country?”. Answer truthfully. These are used to run checks against European security databases.

5. Pay the application fee: To submit the application, you’ll pay a fee (currently set to €20) online. Payment is done by credit or debit card through the official system’s secure gateway. The fee is waived for certain ages – travelers under 18 years old and those 71 or older do not have to pay. (The system will likely determine your exemption automatically based on birth date.) After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of submission.

6. Wait for approval: In most cases, the wait is very short. The ETIAS system checks your data against databases like Interpol and the Schengen Information System almost instantly. Around 95–97% of applications are expected to be approved within minutes. You should get a response back (via email or on the website/app) confirming your ETIAS has been approved and is now valid. In a small percentage of cases (perhaps ~3% of applications), the system may flag something that requires manual review by an officer. If that happens, the decision can take a bit longer – potentially up to a few days. The standard guideline is that you’ll receive a decision within 96 hours (4 days) in most such cases. In rare instances, if further investigation is needed, it could extend up to 2 weeks or even 30 days for a final answer. This is uncommon and would typically mean a significant issue is being looked at. For 97% of travelers, expect an email saying “Approved” the same day you apply.

7. Receive your ETIAS authorisation: Once approved, you won’t get a physical document. The ETIAS authorisation is electronically linked to your passport in the immigration systems. You may receive a PDF or email confirmation with an application number – it’s wise to save this confirmation (print it or keep it on your phone) in case you need proof at check-in. However, in most scenarios you will just present your passport when traveling, and the airline staff or border officers will see in their system that you have a valid ETIAS.

And that’s it – you’re set to travel! The entire application is online and should be quite user-friendly. The EU has emphasized it will be much simpler than a visa application, with no need to visit a consulate or provide supporting documents. Many applications will literally take only minutes to fill out and minutes to approve.

One source notes the form might take about 5 minutes per person to complete , although first-timers might take a bit longer to carefully enter their info. The main things are to use the official site, have your passport and personal details ready, and a payment method for the fee.

If, by some chance, your ETIAS application is denied, you will be informed of the reason. Common reasons for refusal could include: providing incorrect or incomplete information, a passport that’s reported lost or stolen, or flags that you pose a security/immigration risk.

If you do get a rejection and you believe it’s a mistake (for example, a data error or false match), you have the right to appeal the decision. The refusal notice will outline how to appeal and which country’s authorities to contact (the process is handled by the individual EU country that evaluated your application).

You could also simply correct any errors and apply again if it was due to missing info. However, if an application is denied due to a serious issue (security alert, etc.), you would likely need to obtain a traditional visa to visit Europe instead.

The bottom line: for most travelers, an ETIAS application will be a quick, one-time online form that you do a few days or weeks before your trip, get the approval, and then you don’t have to worry about it for your travels.

ETIAS cost, validity and renewal

How much will ETIAS cost? The application fee for ETIAS is officially set at €20 as of now. This is a one-time fee you pay at the time of application (not per entry). Importantly, travelers under 18 years of age and those 71 or older won’t have to pay – the fee is waived for these age groups.

For example, a 75-year-old applicant still needs an ETIAS authorisation but will not be charged the €20. The fee amount was originally planned to be lower (€7), but in 2025 the EU adjusted it to €20 to cover operational costs and to be in line with similar programs like the U.S. ESTA. Twenty euros is still relatively low – for comparison, a standard Schengen visa costs about €80 in consular fees.

Note that if you use any third-party service to apply on your behalf, they might charge extra, but using the official website will only cost €20 and no more. Payment will be made via credit/debit card online. There are no other hidden costs once you have your ETIAS approval.

How long is ETIAS valid? An ETIAS travel authorisation is typically valid for three years from the date of issue. You can use it for multiple trips within that period. However, there is a big caveat: if your passport expires earlier, the ETIAS tied to it becomes invalid at that point. ETIAS is electronically linked to one specific passport, so its validity is “three years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.”

For example, if you apply in 2027 and get an ETIAS valid until 2030 but your passport actually expires in 2028, the ETIAS will stop working in 2028 when that passport is no longer valid. If you then renew your passport, you’d need to get a new ETIAS for the new passport.

This means travelers should check their passport’s expiration date well in advance of a trip. Many countries (and airlines) already require that your passport be valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your trip. With ETIAS, it’s smart to renew a soon-to-expire passport before applying, so that you can enjoy the full three-year ETIAS validity. You don’t want to apply, pay the fee, and then have the authorisation only valid for a few months because your passport is nearing expiration.

Does ETIAS cover multiple entries? Yes. As long as your ETIAS remains valid, you can enter the ETIAS zone countries as many times as you want, for short visits, without reapplying. It’s a multiple-entry authorisation for the duration of its validity. Just remember that the usual 90-day stay limit still applies – ETIAS doesn’t let you overstay the rule of 90 days in any 180-day period.

It simply means you don’t need to get a new approval each trip. For instance, an American traveler could visit Europe in spring 2027 for 2 weeks, come back again in summer 2028 for a month, and again in 2029, all on the same ETIAS (assuming the passport used is the same and still valid). Each time, the border systems will check that the ETIAS is still active.

If your ETIAS expires (after three years) and you plan another trip, you’ll need to apply for a new one. The process will likely be the same (perhaps even easier if they allow logging into an account to reapply). Similarly, as mentioned, if you get a new passport, you must apply for a fresh ETIAS even if the old one had time left. Authorisations are not transferable between passports.

One more thing: your ETIAS must be valid at the time you enter Europe. It is recommended that it also cover your entire stay. If your ETIAS were to expire during your trip, that could pose issues when exiting or re-entering during the trip. To be safe, ensure that on the date of your arrival, you have a valid ETIAS and that it won’t expire before you leave. If it is set to expire during your stay, the advice is to renew it before traveling so that your whole trip is covered.

In summary: €20 fee, 3-year validity tied to your passport, and easy renewal by reapplying online after expiry. By global standards, ETIAS is inexpensive and long-lasting – for example, the U.S. ESTA is ~$21 and valid 2 years, and the UK’s new ETA will be 2 years. Europe’s authorisation at 3 years validity is quite generous.

ETIAS vs a visa - what is the difference?

With all this talk of authorisations, it’s crucial to understand that ETIAS is not a visa. This point cannot be overstated. EU officials have emphasized that ETIAS “is in no way comparable to a visa.” It doesn’t change the visa-free status of travelers; rather, it’s an additional formality for security screening. Let’s break down the key differences between an ETIAS authorisation and a traditional Schengen visa:

  • Who needs which: If you need an ETIAS, it means you’re from a country that enjoys visa-free travel to Schengen now. Conversely, if you require a visa to visit Schengen, then ETIAS doesn’t apply to you at all. So ETIAS and visas apply to two separate categories of travelers. For example, Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, Japanese, etc. will do ETIAS, whereas Indians, Russians, Nigerians, etc. will continue needing visas. A visa-free traveler “upgrades” to needing ETIAS (simple online form), not a full visa. This keeps the visa waiver in place – Europe is not suddenly imposing visas on countries like the US or UK; it’s adding a light pre-check.

  • Application process: ETIAS is fully online and usually approved within minutes. You fill out a short form and pay a small fee from home. No embassy visits, no appointments, no interviews, no fingerprinting, no paperwork. In contrast, a Schengen visa application is much more involved: you generally must book an appointment (often weeks in advance), gather documents (like bank statements, travel itineraries, travel insurance, invitation letters, proof of accommodation, etc.), attend an in-person interview at a consulate or visa center, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Visa processing takes time – often 15 days or more for a decision, sometimes weeks in busy periods. ETIAS, on the other hand, is largely automated and nearly all applicants will get a response within minutes to hours, rarely a few days if manual review is needed. It’s a night-and-day difference in complexity and effort required.

  • Cost: ETIAS costs €20 (with many travelers paying nothing if under 18 or over 70). A Schengen short-stay visa costs €80 in government fees , plus often additional service fees (about €30 on average) if the application is handled through visa centers. So a visa can easily cost over €100 when all is done. ETIAS is a fraction of that cost.

  • Duration and entries: ETIAS is valid for 3 years, allowing multiple entries as long as you respect the 90-day stay limit. Schengen visas can vary – some are issued for a single trip of a specific duration, others might be multiple-entry visas valid for 1, 2 or 5 years, depending on the applicant’s history. But initial visas for tourists are often just for the trip’s duration. ETIAS offers a consistent multi-year permission across all Schengen countries, whereas visas can be more restrictive initially.

  • Purpose and limitations: An ETIAS authorisation covers tourism, business, transit, and short-term study or training (up to 90 days) – basically any activity you could normally do as a visa-free visitor. It does not confer the right to work in Europe, nor to stay longer than the 90/180-day rule. But that’s the same as the visa-free status rules. A Schengen visa also doesn’t grant work rights (unless it’s a specific work visa) and is usually for short stays too (unless it’s a long-term national visa). If your purpose is to work, reside, or study long-term, you’d need the appropriate national visa or permit, not an ETIAS. ETIAS is not a residence permit; it’s just an entry clearance for short visits.

  • Approval criteria: Getting an ETIAS is very routine for anyone with a clean record – since the refusal rate is expected to be extremely low (under 3%). It’s essentially only denied if there’s a significant red flag (security threat, immigration violation, etc.). Schengen visas, on the other hand, have a higher refusal rate (around 18% in recent statistics) , as applicants must convince the consulate of their travel intentions and show sufficient ties to home country, etc. So ETIAS is not about assessing your travel purpose or finances – it’s mostly a security filter. If you have no serious issues, you can expect approval easily.

To put it succinctly, “ETIAS is not a visa,” as the EU states plainly. One EU explanation contrasts them: Unlike applying for a visa, travelers will be able to apply for ETIAS online, will not have to go to a consulate, and no biometric data will be collected.

The introduction of ETIAS does not end visa-free travel – it adds a digital check to maintain visa-free travel in a more secure way. So if you see news articles calling ETIAS “Europe’s visa system,” know that this is misleading. It’s more accurate to call it a “visa-waiver pre-screening program.”

In fact, ETIAS is closely modeled after the U.S. ESTA program, which has been required for European visitors to the U.S. for years. Now Europe is doing the same in reciprocity.

In summary: ETIAS = quick online authorisation for already visa-exempt visitors. Visa = formal document required for those who were never visa-exempt. They serve different traveler groups and involve very different procedures.

What ETIAS means for your 2026 trip planning

If you’re planning a trip to Europe in late 2026 or beyond and you hold a passport from a country like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, etc., then ETIAS will just become one extra item on your pre-trip checklist. Here are some practical tips to incorporate ETIAS into your travel planning:

  • Don’t panic – it’s a small step, not a big hurdle. Applying for ETIAS should be quick and easy for almost everyone. It’s nothing like applying for a passport or a visa. In fact, simply being aware of ETIAS is half the battle, as one travel expert noted. Once you know you need to do it, the process is straightforward. Many travelers will find that the authorisation comes through in minutes and it feels like a formality.

  • Apply well in advance of your trip. While most approvals are fast, you shouldn’t leave it until the last minute. Technical glitches or that 3% chance of a manual review could delay things a few days. Authorities suggest that travelers apply at least some weeks before travel – for peace of mind, you might do it a month ahead or as soon as you have your trip dates. There’s no benefit to cutting it close, and ETIAS approvals are valid for 3 years, so applying early will cover not just your upcoming trip but potentially a couple more. If you forget and show up at the airport without ETIAS after it’s mandatory, the airline will likely deny boarding. So set yourself a reminder to get this done in the planning stage along with booking flights and accommodations.

  • Make sure your passport is up to date. As mentioned, if your passport is due to expire within the next year or so, consider renewing it before obtaining ETIAS. Many countries require 3-6 months validity for entry anyway. Starting your ETIAS validity on a fresh passport gives you the full three years of use. Also, each traveler needs their own passport and ETIAS – even infants. Family travel tip: ensure kids have individual passports (no traveling on a parent’s passport) because the Entry/Exit System and ETIAS will require one person, one passport.

  • Save your ETIAS info. When you get the approval, save the confirmation email or reference number. While you generally won’t have to present anything if the systems are working (since it’s linked to your passport), it’s good to have proof just in case. You might print out the email or have a screenshot on your phone. That way if there’s any confusion at airline check-in, you can provide details.

  • Airlines and carriers will check ETIAS status. Expect that when you check in for a flight to Europe (or even at boarding), the airline’s staff might verify you have an ETIAS. Airlines are motivated to do this because if they transport someone without proper documents, they can face fines. Industry guidance suggests airlines will likely integrate ETIAS checks into their normal check-in procedure (similar to how they verify visas). Some might even remind you to get ETIAS when you book flights, via emails, etc. But don’t rely on that; be proactive and have it sorted yourself.

  • No major impact on your time at the border. One concern travelers have is “Will this make the airport lines longer?” The answer is that ETIAS itself should not add any extra time at passport control. You won’t have to show any additional papers; the border guard will scan your passport as usual, and the computer will automatically tell them if you have a valid ETIAS. In fact, ETIAS is meant to speed up border checks in some ways by pre-vetting travelers. If all your info is in order, the guard can quickly stamp you in (or with EES, just log you in electronically). The new Entry/Exit System may add a few seconds for fingerprint/photo at kiosks, but ETIAS doesn’t physically slow the process. So don’t worry about extra lines specifically for ETIAS – there won’t be any “ETIAS desk”. It’s all electronic behind the scenes.

  • Plan for the 90-day rule as before. ETIAS doesn’t change the fundamental rule that you can only stay up to 90 days in a 180-day span as a visitor. The system will help track entries and exits, but you still need to abide by that. If you need to stay longer, you’ll require a visa or permit as appropriate.

  • Consider travel itineraries for first entry. The ETIAS application will ask which country you intend to enter first. While this doesn’t lock you in rigidly, it’s advisable to try to stick to that plan. If your plans change last-minute, it shouldn’t invalidate your ETIAS, but consistency helps. For example, if you said your first entry will be France, ideally you should enter through France. Entering via a completely different country might raise a question at the border, though in practice it might be fine. To avoid any doubt, put the country of your arrival airport or first stop.

  • Stay informed as the launch approaches. As 2026 progresses, keep an eye on official updates from the European Union or your government’s travel advisories about ETIAS. The EU will likely run information campaigns. Government travel sites (like the U.S. State Department or UK FCDO) will also update their Europe travel guidance. By staying informed, you won’t be caught off guard by any last-minute changes or requirements.

All in all, for your 2026+ trips the addition of ETIAS just means adding a quick online task to your travel prep. It shouldn’t discourage you from visiting Europe – it’s a minor administrative step that will soon become routine (just as filling out ESTA became routine for Europeans traveling to the US).

As one travel expert noted, these programs are “easily managed formalities” and not comparable to the hassle of real visa processes. Millions of people will be applying once it opens, and the vast majority will sail through. Just make sure not to forget to do it – set a reminder and treat it as essential as having a valid passport and plane ticket.

The Takeaway

By the end of 2026, ETIAS will become a standard pre-travel requirement for visitors to Europe from about 60 countries. While the idea of “getting authorisation to enter Europe” may sound intimidating, the reality is that ETIAS is a quick online form and a minor fee – a process most travelers will breeze through in minutes.

It is not a visa, but rather a way for European authorities to enhance security by vetting visitors before they arrive, very much like the U.S. ESTA system. Once active, ETIAS will simply be part of the travel routine: something you do once every few years, and then you can focus on your trip.

For the vast majority of holidaymakers and business travelers, ETIAS should not be a barrier at all. Europe remains open and welcoming; this is just a digital checkpoint. The best thing you can do is stay informed (as of December 2025, late 2026 is the target launch) and be prepared to spend a few minutes applying online when the time comes. Make sure your passport is valid, remember to apply for ETIAS in advance, and you’ll be set. Airlines and travel agents will likely remind people as well, but being aware yourself is the biggest step.

In summary, ETIAS is a small extra step for travelers and a big step for security. Come 2026, don’t let the new rule catch you off guard – but also don’t let it discourage you. After a brief online form and a €20 fee, you’ll be authorised to explore all that Europe has to offer, just as freely as before. Safe travels!

FAQ

Q1. Do I need ETIAS before 2026?
No. ETIAS is not required until it officially launches, expected in late 2026. No one should apply in 2025 or early 2026. Any website claiming otherwise is fraudulent. Until ETIAS begins, you enter Europe as usual with your passport (and visa if required).

Q2. Will I need ETIAS for every trip to Europe?
Yes, once ETIAS starts, visa-exempt travelers will need a valid ETIAS for any trip to ETIAS countries. One authorisation lasts three years and covers multiple trips, unless your passport expires sooner. You only reapply when your ETIAS or your passport expires.

Q3. Do children need ETIAS?
Yes. All visa-exempt non-EU travelers, including infants and children, must have their own ETIAS. Applicants under 18 do not pay the fee. Parents or guardians can submit the application on their behalf.

Q4. What if my ETIAS application is denied?
Denials are expected to be rare. You will receive a reason for refusal. If it is a correctable error, you can fix it and apply again. You also have the right to appeal with the issuing country. If approval is impossible, you may need to apply for a traditional visa instead.

Q5. How long does ETIAS approval take?
Most approvals take minutes. About 97 percent of applications will be automated and return results within 15 minutes. Manual reviews can take up to 96 hours, and exceptional cases may take up to two weeks or more. Apply a couple of weeks before travel to be safe.

Q6. Can I use one ETIAS for multiple countries in Europe?
Yes. ETIAS is valid for all 30 countries that require it. You choose your first country of entry when applying, but once inside Schengen you can move freely between member countries on the same trip.

Q7. Do I need ETIAS if I’m on a cruise in Europe?
In most cases, yes. If your cruise docks at Schengen ports, you are entering a Schengen country and will likely need ETIAS. Always check with your cruise line as rollout approaches because procedures vary by itinerary.

Q8. Will ETIAS be required for Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and other non-EU European countries?
Yes. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are part of Schengen, so ETIAS applies. Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus are also joining the system. Ireland is not included.

Q9. How does ETIAS relate to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
ETIAS and EES work together. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travelers. EES registers your entry and exit at the border using biometrics. Even with ETIAS, you will go through EES checks on arrival. ETIAS is applied for online before travel; EES happens automatically at passport control.

Q10. What should I do now to prepare for ETIAS?
Keep an eye on official announcements for the final launch date, ensure your passport is valid, and expect clearer guidance in 2026. There is nothing to apply for now, and no legitimate website can process ETIAS before the EU opens applications.

Research Notes

To make sure the information in this guide reflects the latest EU guidance, I consulted several official releases from the European Commission and complementary explanations from travel specialists. The July 2025 Commission update confirming the EUR 20 ETIAS fee was especially useful, along with the October 2025 update briefing, that clarified how the rollout will be staged. I also cross-checked traveler-facing interpretations from Frontex, EEAS, ABTA, and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm who needs ETIAS and who does not. For comparisons, older analyses from Henley and Partners and legal guidance from Viviana Echeverria helped explain the distinction between ETIAS and a visa. Rick Steves’ 2025 guide provided a good snapshot of how mainstream travel advice is framing the change.