If you're planning a trip to Europe, there's a new requirement coming that's worth knowing about before you book anything. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is the EU's new pre-travel screening system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, and it's launching in the last quarter of 2026.
It's not a visa. But you will need it before you fly.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a digital pre-travel authorization for citizens of countries that don't currently need a visa to visit Europe, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and around 60 other nationalities. Think of it as the EU's version of the US ESTA or the UK ETA: a quick online application that screens travelers before they board, linked electronically to your passport.
It covers 30 European countries, most of the destinations travelers actually want to visit: Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and more.
Not sure if your passport requires an ETIAS? With over 100,000 visa applications processed and a 99.7% approval rate, ImmiAssist can guide you in the right direction.
How Does ETIAS Work?
You apply online before your trip, answer a set of background and security questions, pay the fee, and receive your authorization by email. It's linked digitally to your passport. No sticker, no stamp, nothing to print.
ETIAS cross-references your details against multiple EU security databases, including the Schengen Information System, Europol, and Interpol records. Most applications are approved within minutes. A small number requires additional manual review, which can take up to 96 hours.
The ETIAS authorization must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. If your passport expires, your ETIAS expires with it.
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS applies to all 30 countries in the Schengen Area. Here’s the full list:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
A single ETIAS authorization covers all of these countries. You don't need a separate application for each destination on your itinerary.
Important note: the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area and does not use ETIAS. They have their own entry authorization system, the ETA.
When Does ETIAS Start?
ETIAS is confirmed to launch in the last quarter of 2026, that's October through December. The European Commission will announce the specific date several months in advance through the official EU travel portal.
It's worth knowing that ETIAS has been delayed multiple times since it was first announced for 2022, primarily due to technical challenges with the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which ETIAS depends on. The EES launched in October 2025 and became fully operational in April 2026.
Can I Apply for ETIAS Now?
Not yet. As of July 2026, the ETIAS application portal has not officially opened. Some sources suggest it may open in mid-to-late 2026 ahead of the formal launch date, but this has not been confirmed by the EU.
What you can do right now is make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Europe, and keep an eye on the official EU travel portal for the announcement. We'll update this page the moment applications open.
How to Apply for ETIAS
The official portal for applications is not open yet, but the whole application should take around 10 minutes between uploading your passport and paying the fee. Most approvals arrive via email within minutes, though some take up to 96 hours for manual review. Apply well before your travel date to leave time for any additional processing.
ImmiAssist will offer the ETIAS application with certified agent review and guided support as soon as the portal opens. We'll make sure your authorization is confirmed correct before you fly.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
The ETIAS fee is €20 per person. Only two groups are exempt from the fee:
- Travelers under 18 years old
- Travelers aged 70 and over
Even exempt travelers still need to apply and receive an approved ETIAS, they just don't pay the fee.
How Long Is ETIAS Valid?
The ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows unlimited entries across all 30 ETIAS countries during that period, with stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period.
If your passport expires and you renew it, you'll need to apply for a new ETIAS linked to your new passport.
FAQs
How long does ETIAS last?
3 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes. Every traveler regardless of age needs their own ETIAS authorization. Children cannot travel on a parent's authorization. However, travelers under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee, they still need to apply and be approved, just without the payment.
Can ETIAS be refused?
Yes. ETIAS can be refused if your background check raises concerns. For example, a prior criminal record, a previous overstay in the Schengen Area, or a flag in EU security databases. If refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. A refusal does not automatically mean you cannot travel to Europe, but it does mean you'll need to apply for a full Schengen visa instead.
Is ETIAS the same as a visa?
No. ETIAS is not a visa and does not change your visa-free status. Travelers who currently visit Europe without a visa will still be visa-free. ETIAS is simply an additional pre-screening step before you board. The key difference: a Schengen visa is required for citizens of countries that don't have visa-free access to Europe. ETIAS is for those who already have that access.
