Who Needs ETIAS? Your Guide to Europe’s New Travel Requirement

Starting in 2025, traveling to Europe is going to look a little different for many visitors, thanks to the introduction of the ETIAS, short for the European Travel Information and Authorization System.

If you’re planning a European vacation or business trip, you might be wondering, "Do I need ETIAS?" Many travelers just like you are wondering the same thing, but you came to the right place.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about whether or not you will need to obtain ETIAS approval before your up-and-coming trip abroad, as well as a few helpful tips along the way.

What is ETIAS, and why is it needed?

ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt visitors traveling to the Schengen area in Europe. You can think of it as a security check, or permission to enter the Schengen area.

While it’s not a visa, it works similarly in that travelers need to apply for authorization before arriving in Europe. The ETIAS system enhances security by identifying possible risks or threats before visitors enter Europe’s border-free travel zone. A large number of travelers will need to apply for ETIAS approval.

Who needs ETIAS to travel to Europe?

• Do US citizens need ETIAS? The answer is yes. Starting in 2025, Americans traveling to Europe for short stays of 90 days and under will need ETIAS approval before traveling to the Schengen area.
• Canadian, British, Australian, and Japanese citizens: Like Americans, travelers from these and other visa-exempt countries will need to complete an ETIAS application.

Travelers from the following countries will need ETIAS from 2025 on:
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, Kosovo, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, 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, Venezuela

Who doesn’t need ETIAS to travel to the Schengen area?

Any travelers who require a Schengen visa do not need ETIAS, as well as citizens of Schengen countries. ETIAS is authorization to travel to the zone, but a visa already authorizes you, thus ETIAS is not needed.

This includes citizens from China, India, Russia, many African nations, and other countries that don’t have visa-waiver agreements with the Schengen area.

In short:

• Chinese citizens
• India citizens
• Russia nationals
• Anyone who has a valid Schengen visa (regardless of nationality)
• Citizens/passport holders of Schengen countries

Who will be denied ETIAS?

ETIAS is designed to streamline travel and keep Europe safe. In the majority of cases, you’ll receive ETIAS approval within minutes of applying. However, there are scenarios where your application could be denied.

The most common reasons for ETIAS denial include:

• Security concerns: If your background check raises red flags, your application may be rejected. If this happens and you believe the denial was made unfairly, you can appeal the decision.
• Invalid or expired passport: ETIAS requires a valid passport from a visa-exempt country. If your passport is nearing expiration, it’s a good idea to renew it before applying for ETIAS.

If your ETIAS application is denied, you will be informed of the reasons and will have the opportunity to appeal or provide additional documentation.

Do I need ETIAS if I’m over 70?

Yes, travelers over the age of 70 will still need to apply for ETIAS if they do not have a Schengen visa. There are no age-based exemptions for ETIAS, so whether you’re 25 or 75, you’ll need to complete the application if you plan to visit the Schengen area for short stays and are not exempt. There is some good news though! If you’re over the age of 70, your ETIAS application fee will be waived.

Do I need ETIAS if I have dual citizenship?

If you hold dual citizenship with a country in the Schengen zone, whether or not you need ETIAS depends on the passport you’re using for travel.

If you’re traveling to Europe on a passport from a visa-exempt country like the US, Canada, or Australia, you’ll need ETIAS. However, if you are entering Europe with a passport from a country in the Schengen zone, ETIAS won’t be required.

For example, if you have both US and Italian citizenship, you wouldn’t need ETIAS if you’re traveling on your Italian passport, since Italy is part of the Schengen area.

Key Takeaways

• ETIAS is required for all travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen area for short stays, from 2025 on (this includes citizens from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and other countries).
• US citizens will need ETIAS starting in 2025 for trips of up to 90 days in Europe.
• ETIAS applications can be denied, but applicants can submit an appeal if they believe the decision was made unjustly.
• There are no age exemptions for ETIAS, meaning travelers over 70 or under 18 still need to apply.
• Dual citizens traveling on a passport from a Schengen country do not need ETIAS.
• If you have a valid Schengen visa, you do not need ETIAS.