Information on ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

It is expected that ETIAS will only be implemented in mid-2025.

Beware of scammers

There is only one official ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias. The application form will be made available on this website once the system is launched, which is expected to be in mid-2025.

There are tens of websites claiming to be the official ETIAS application sites: they use the official EU logo, some even collect travellers’ personal data. While it will be legal for the commercial intermediaries to apply on your behalf once the system enters into force, make sure you use one that you trust: some may steal your personal data, passport number and credit card.  They may also charge an additional fee for their services. Remember: ETIAS will only cost EUR 7 if you use the ETIAS official website to apply.

All official websites of the European Union can be recognised by the europa.eu domain.

When will ETIAS enter into force?

The system is not yet operational. It is expected to be launched in mid-2025.

ETIAS in a nutshell

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Nationals of any of these visa-exemptEN••• countries and territories need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation.

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Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation

Once available, you can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation will cost approximately EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.

Processing your ETIAS application

Most applications are processed within minutes.

It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation will in advance of your planned journey.

Once you have applied

You will receive an email conforming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.

When you get your ETIAS travel authorisation, please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here.

If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.

Validity period of your ETIAS

Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires – whichever comes first.

It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.

On arrival at the border

As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.

More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available here.

Your ETIAS check-list

• Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation will in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation.
• Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match.
• Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid.
• Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETAIS.
• Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS – you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).

For more information, consult the official ETIAS website.

7 things you need to know about ETIAS

1. ETIAS is a new travel requirement:

If you come from one of the above-listed countries and territories, as of 2024, you will need to get an ETIAS travel authorisation to any of the 30 European countries.

2. To apply for an ETIAS you will need:

• A passport valid for more than 3 months
• An e-mail address
• To fill out an online form
• To pay a EUR 7 fee

3. ETIAS is for short-term visits

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you will be able to stay in any of the 30 European countries for 90 days in any 180-day period.

4. Your travel authorisation will be valid for three years

Your travel authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport you used in the application expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple entries.

5. ETIAS is not a visa

You will apply for ETIAS online, you do not need to go to a Consulate, your biometric data will not be collected, and it will be much faster and cheaper than getting the Schengen visa.

6. Europe is not the first to introduce travel authorisations for visa-free nationals

Similar travel authorisations are required by the United States, Canada, and Australia.

7. The system is not yet operational

The system is not yet operational and no applications are collected at this point. ETIAS is expected to be launched in mid-2025.

Be careful whom you provide your personal information to and how much money they charge you for their services. The protection of your personal data cannot be guaranteed if you use another website to submit your application.