ETIAS: What is it and when does it start?

Changes are coming for travel to Europe! The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will soon be a must-have for visiting 30 countries across the European Union (EU) and Schengen area.

Think of it like a quick, electronic visa. Right now, you don't need one, but from late 2026, you will. So, if Europe is on your travel list, make sure you're prepared.

What is the ETIAS?

In a nutshell—the ETIAS is an entry requirement for non-eu-nationals to enter countries in Europe or the Schengen area. It's similar to USA’s ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.

It's planned to start from late 2026. So, you don't need to make any changes to the way you prepare for your European travels just yet. But once it's in place, you'll have to apply for an ETIAS to travel to these countries.

What countries need an ETIAS for entry?

The following:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Good to know: You don’t need an ETIAS to travel to the Republic of Ireland.

How do I apply for an ETIAS?

Like we've mentioned, you can’t apply for an ETIAS just yet. But, once it launches at the end of 2026, you can apply through the Travel Europe website. Easy!

When the ETIAS starts, what do I need to apply?

You'll need:

• A valid travel document. Like your passport! This must have more than 3 months left on it when you apply. It also shouldn’t be older than 10 years.
• Personal information like your name, address, nationality, your parent’s first names, email address and phone number. 
• Your level of education and occupation.
• Details about your trip including how you’re travelling and where you’re staying.
• Details of criminal convictions, and past travel to any war zones. You might also be asked to give details of any times when you’ve been asked to leave a country.
• A payment card to pay the ETIAS fee. Find out how much it costs in the next section!

How much does it cost to apply for an ETIAS?

It costs 7 euros to apply for an ETIAS—that's according to the Travel Europe website.

How long is an ETIAS valid for?

Your ETIAS is linked to your passport and stays valid for up to 3 years. Or, until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You can visit any of the listed countries as often as you like. But, there's a 90 day limit within a 180 day period. That means you can come and go, as long as you don't exceed those 90 days in total.

Just a heads up: having an ETIAS doesn't automatically guarantee entry. You'll still need your passport and any other necessary travel documents. So remember to check your passport before you travel using our passport checker tool!

What happens if my ETIAS is void?

If your ETIAS isn't valid, or you forget to get one, you might not be allowed in.

Plus, if you're denied entry because of missing or incorrect documents, travel insurance won't cover your trip or return flights. That means you'd have to cover the costs yourself. So, it's always best to double-check everything before you go!

What is the EU entry/exit system (EES)?

The EES is an automated system that can record non-EU-nationals entry and exit into Europe for a short stay (90 days within 180 days). 

It might seem like another lengthy travel step, but it should help speed things up since you won't need your passport stamped. Think of the automatic ePassport gates we use when arriving back to the UK—it'll be similar to that.

It's not launched yet. But, from mid-2025, you'll have to start scanning your passport at an automated self-service kiosk instead of having it stamped.

The system captures:

• Your name
• The type of travel document
• Biometric data (for example, your fingerprints and photograph)
• The date
• The place of entry and exit

What should I do if I need to stay in Europe or the Schengen area for more than 90 days?

Planning a long stay in Europe? You'll need to apply for a Visa or residence permit for the country you'll be visiting.

What's needed can vary from country to country, so check the entry requirements for your destination at GOV.UK!