Key Takeaways

  • ETIAS is not yet in operation. The EU has not confirmed a start date and will announce it several months before launch. It applies to short-term stays of 90 days or less for business, tourism, medical purposes, or transit.
  • An approved ETIAS is valid for three years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first; it is an electronic code, not a visa or stamp.
  • Passport holders from roughly 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, will need one.
  • Everyone needs an ETIAS, including children; the €20 fee is waived for under-18s, over-70s and eligible family members of EU citizens.

ETIAS for European Entry

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic screening system for passport holders granted visa-free access to the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area. Once implemented, every traveler entering Europe without a visa will need one. The launch is reported to be expected in 2027, though the exact date has moved several times, so check back for the latest update.

The purpose of ETIAS is to enhance border security to the EU. It is designed for short-term (90 days or less) visits to the EU and will be required for entry to the EU after the projected ETIAS launch in 2027. Your ETIAS must be secured before traveling to the European Union. An ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until your current passport expires, whichever occurs first. The ETIAS is not a visa or a stamp but an electronic code linked to your passport.

Commonly Asked Questions about ETIAS

  • When does the ETIAS go into effect?

  • ETIAS has not yet launched, and the European Union has not set an official start date. The EU has said it will give several months' notice before the system goes live. Travellers do not need to take any action for now. Media reports suggest a launch in 2027, but this has not been officially confirmed. Travelers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the European Union will need an ETIAS authorization for travel beginning after the program begins.
  • Will I need to get an ETIAS?

    If you are a passport holder from one of the 60 countries currently eligible for visa-free entry into the EU, and you plan to stay for 90 days or less, you will need to apply for the ETIAS authorization. An ETIAS application is required for any short-term (less than 90 days) travel to the EU, including travel for business, pleasure, medical purposes, or if you are transiting through the EU en route to a further destination.

  • Are there any exemptions based on age?

    There are no age restrictions for ETIAS, so even children and infants will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization. 

  • Which passport holders are required to get an ETIAS?

    ETIAS authorization will be required for passport holders from the following countries: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macau, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 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 (currently suspended from ETIAS) and Venezuela. This list is subject to change, so it is recommended you check periodically if you plan to travel to the EU tto see if you are required to apply for an ETIAS authorization.

  • Are there any other restrictions where an ETIAS would not cover my travel?

    ETIAS covers any visa-free short stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period; not work, long-term study or residence. If your're not sure if you need an ETIAS, either check with the country or countries you plan to visit or contact us at CIBTvisas for assistance.

How do I get an ETIAS?

Travelers heading to the Europe Union should submit their ETIAS application before departure. The ETIAS application requires some basic information such as personal data (name, date of birth, etc.), valid passport data, destination within the EU, general background information from the applicant, and history of immigration to the EU (if applicable). The fee for the ETIAS application is €20 per adult. Travelers under 18 or over 70 do not pay the fee. Additional processing fees may apply depending on how you apply. Anyone traveling to the EU, regardless of age, must submit an ETIAS application, if travel is for business, leisure, or transit purposes, and if it is less than 90 days in duration.

In many cases, an ETIAS approval decision will take only minutes. Most ETIAS applications are decided within minutes, and some can take up to four days. If extra information or documents are requested, it can take up to 14 days. If an interview is required, it can take up to 30 days.


After launch, a transition period of at least six months is planned, during which travelers without an ETIAS won't be refused entry if they meet all other requirements. After that, a valid ETIAS will be required to board and enter.

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