Navigating ETIAS: What Travelers Heading to Europe Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, especially the Schengen area, you’ve likely come across something called ETIAS. But what is ETIAS, and how exactly does it impact your travel plans?

ETIAS (short for “European Travel Information and Authorization System”) is a new requirement for visa-exempt citizens traveling to countries like France, Italy, and Spain.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ETIAS, from what it is to how to apply for it, and how it is going to impact travelers from countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Is ETIAS a visa?

It can be easy to confuse the two, but ETIAS is not a visa. It’s essentially permission to enter the Schengen area. It works by acting as a travel authorization system for travelers from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen area. But what does that mean?

Some countries have visa-waiver agreements with the Schengen area (if you’re not familiar with the Schengen area, it’s a collection of European countries that have agreed to abolish internal border checks). When countries have this agreement it means that their citizens can visit any country in the Schengen area without requiring a visa (for stays shorter than 90 days within a 180-day period).

Instead of getting a visa, travelers from visa-exempt countries need to obtain ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen zone from 2026 on.

ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA. Like ESTA, ETIAS will screen travelers before they enter Europe to enhance security and prevent potential threats.

If you're a citizen from the US, UK, Canada, and others, you will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to the Schengen area from 2026 on.

What does ETIAS stand for?

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a travel criteria that is mandatory for travelers, from 2026 on, who don’t need a visa to go to countries in the Schengen area.

What is an ETIAS visa?

Even though many people refer to ETIAS as a visa, it’s important to clarify that ETIAS is not a visa.

Travelers who previously didn’t need a visa for short stays in Europe still won’t need one. Instead, they will need to complete the ETIAS application (which is a travel authorization) before entering the Schengen zone. This includes citizens from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Moreover, those who previously needed a visa for short stays in the Schengen area will still need a visa, but they will not need to apply for ETIAS.

ETIAS is not replacing the Schengen visa: they will coexist.

What is the purpose of ETIAS?

The main purpose of ETIAS is to strengthen security measures within the Schengen area and the European Union. By requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries to register with ETIAS, the EU can more effectively track travelers, which allows them to manage risks related to a variety of potential border issues such as trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, and even public health threats (such as pandemics). Additionally, ETIAS will streamline border checks and improve efficiency, ensuring a smoother (and safer!) travel experience for everyone.

ETIAS isn’t meant to replace the Schengen visa, and in fact, it can’t. It’s purely permission to go into the Schengen area.

Which countries require ETIAS?

If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or another visa-exempt country, you’ll need to get ETIAS approval in order to travel to the Schengen area, which includes these 29 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Cyprus as well.

If you are getting a visa for your trip to any of the countries above, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. The visa requirements remain the same, such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, Schengen visa insurance, etc.

Do I need ETIAS?

It’s possible. If you are from a visa-exempt country and plan to stay in the Schengen area for short-term travel (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), you will need ETIAS authorization (this includes citizens from the US, UK, and Canada, as well as others). Many travelers will need ETIAS moving forward.

If you hold a Schengen visa, you do not need ETIAS, as your visa already gives you travel authorization.

Citizens from the following countries will need ETIAS when going to the Schengen area from 2026 on.

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, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Montenegro, New Zealand , Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Moldova, 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, Venezuela

ETIAS for US Citizens

For US citizens, ETIAS is a mandatory requirement starting in 2026.

Americans can travel to the Schengen area (many countries in Europe) without a visa for trips up to 90 days. Once ETIAS is fully implemented, US travelers still won’t need a visa, but instead, they will need to complete a pre-travel authorization before their trip. This simple process is entirely online and will require basic information like passport details, travel plans, and background information related to security and health.

If you are a US citizen and are applying for a visa for your stay in the Schengen area, you do not need ETIAS. ETIAS is simply a travel authorization, and a visa already authorizes you – so you don’t need both. Keep in mind that Schengen visa requirements remain the same, such as a valid passport and Schengen visa insurance.

Once approved, ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

ETIAS for UK Citizens

UK citizens, who enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen area will now need to obtain ETIAS authorization, from 2026 on. UK travelers must complete the ETIAS application online to visit any Schengen country.

If you are from the UK and are getting a visa for your travels to the Schengen area, you won't need to obtain ETIAS approval.

ETIAS for Canadian citizens

From 2026 on, Canadian citizens will be required to apply for ETIAS if they plan to visit any country in the Schengen area. The process is quick and easy, requiring an online application and payment of a small fee (7 euros).

If you’re a Canadian citizen and are getting a visa for your trip to the Schengen area, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

ETIAS for Australian citizens

Australian citizens, like those from other visa-exempt countries, will need to apply for ETIAS before visiting the Schengen area. You’ll need to fill out an online application with a few details (name, passport number, etc.), and then pay a small fee.

If you are applying for a visa for your travels to the Schengen area, you will not need to apply for ETIAS as your visa already covers you for travel authorization.

What are the ETIAS Requirements?

To apply for ETIAS, all applicants need to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid passport from a visa-exempt country (such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia)
• Complete the ETIAS application form (you’ll be prompted to fill this out online)
• Have a debit or credit card to pay a small fee (€7 for adults; free for travelers under 18 and over 70)
• Supply a valid email address to receive your ETIAS authorization
• Answer a few questions about your background

Is ETIAS mandatory?

Yes, from 2026 on, ETIAS is mandatory for all travelers from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen area. This new requirement applies to travelers of all ages, including minors.

ETIAS is not required for travelers who previously needed a visa to visit the Schengen area. If you needed a visa before, you will still need a visa in order to go to a Schengen country. If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, ETIAS does not impact you in any way.

Do I need to bring any ETIAS papers with me to the airport?

No, ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to bring any additional paperwork to the airport.

However, it's a good idea to keep a copy of your ETIAS approval email just in case there are any issues at border control. With that being said, it never hurts to print out your approval.

What happens if you forget to apply for ETIAS before your trip?

If you forget to apply for ETIAS, you may be denied boarding or entry into the Schengen area, either when you exit your country of departure or upon border control at your entry into the Schengen area.

It’s crucial to apply for ETIAS before your trip to avoid any last-minute travel disruptions as it is mandatory. Luckily, the application process is quick and can usually be completed in just a few minutes, but it's always best to apply at least a few days in advance of your travel date.

In fact, ETIAS approval, while it’s typically immediate, can take up to 30 days, so make sure to plan accordingly.

What’s ETIAS? Key highlights you should know:

• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen area.
• US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens are among those who will need ETIAS starting in 2026.
• ETIAS is not required for travelers with a valid Schengen visa.
• ETIAS helps improve the security and integrity of the Schengen zone.
• ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires and allows multiple entries during that period.
• Applying for ETIAS is quick, easy, and entirely online.
• It's essential to complete ETIAS well before your trip to avoid issues at the airport.
• ETIAS is mandatory from 2026 on.