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Updated January 2025

Planning to travel to Europe this year? You might need to go through an extra step with ETIAS. It’s not a visa or a specific document to carry, and not all travelers to Europe will need to apply for it.

So, what exactly is ETIAS? Read on with Wego to find out.

Table of Contents

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS travel authorization serves as a requisite for visa-exempt individuals journeying to any of the 30 designated European countries. This authorization is directly linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for a duration of up to three years or until the passport’s expiration, whichever comes first. In the event of acquiring a new passport, securing a fresh ETIAS travel authorization becomes necessary.

ETIAS functions not as a visa, but as a security measure or visa waiver. Its primary goal is to enhance European security by conducting pre-entry screenings of travelers bound for the Schengen Area. However, it’s essential to note that the authorization does not guarantee automatic entry. Upon arrival, border authorities will request to inspect your passport and other pertinent documents to ensure compliance with entry prerequisites.

ETIAS start date

ETIAS is likely to be launched later this year, although official details have not been released yet. It will be rolled out six months following the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

It’s crucial to remain vigilant against fraudulent websites posing as legitimate ETIAS platforms. Despite their official appearance, these sites aim to gather sensitive traveler information. Always ensure that the website domain contains “europa.eu.” URLs ending in dot com or dot org should be treated with suspicion.

When to apply for ETIAS?

For optimal planning, it’s recommended to give yourself at least a two-week head start when applying for your ETIAS travel authorization. While the application process is typically swift and straightforward, applying well in advance of your travel plans helps mitigate any potential delays. Though rare, these delays could extend up to 30 days.

Most applications are swiftly processed, often within 10-20 minutes, accommodating last-minute submissions.

Upon finishing your application, you’ll promptly receive an initial email notification within 96 hours, detailing the outcome—whether it’s approval, denial, or a request for further information or documentation. Following this, you’ll have an additional 10 days to furnish any required details.

Moreover, if your previous application was refused, you can reapply without fear of automatic rejection. Each application is assessed independently, and a previous refusal does not guarantee a subsequent denial.

How to apply for ETIAS?

Eligibilty

ETIAS is applicable only to nations that already have a visa-free agreement with the European Union. They are:

Albania
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu (temporarily suspended until further notice)
Venezuela

Documents required

A biometric passport is the only formal document required to complete the online application. The application will also need a debit or credit card, as well as an email address. Biometric passports are favoured because of the security benefits they provide, such as preventing unauthorized viewing or “skimming” of passport information – but are not compulsory.

Application process

The procedure to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is quite easy. All you have to do is fill out a simple online ETIAS application form to receive ETIAS travel permission. In addition, applicants must provide their personal information such as their name, date of birth, address, and information about their travel and security questions.

Permission would be granted in as little as a few minutes. Thus, the entire online application and registration procedure will take no more than 10-20 minutes per applicant.

ETIAS validity

Short-term visits of up to 90 days are permitted under the ETIAS travel authorization. When visiting any area of the Schengen Area, tourists and business travellers will be required to obtain an authorized ETIAS. ETIAS travel permission, if issued, can be utilized for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

ETIAS fees

Applying for ETIAS authorization will cost you 7 euros.

Travellers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70 will have to apply for ETIAS, but are exempted from the fee.

Distinguishing between ETIAS and EES

The European Entry-Exit System (EES), an advanced IT platform set to roll out soon, modernizes border management by digitizing processes for non-EU travelers on short stays, replacing traditional passport stamping. It efficiently gathers and stores travel document details and personal data, enhancing travel efficiency and enforcement of immigration regulations.

For comprehensive details about this system, please refer to our dedicated EES article.

On the other hand, the ETIAS mandates travelers from visa-exempt countries to secure travel authorization for short stays in European nations. ETIAS authorizations remain valid for up to three years or until passport expiration, yet they don’t guarantee entry, as travelers undergo scrutiny by border officials upon arrival.