Your Guide to ETIAS: Read This Before Your Next Trip to Europe

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you may have heard about ETIAS, a new travel authorization system set to roll out soon (by the end of 2026). But what exactly is ETIAS, and which countries are going to require it?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ETIAS, from which countries you'll need it for to who should apply and how to get authorization.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS, short for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is an electronic visa waiver program developed by the European Union. The goal of ETIAS is to further improve security within the Schengen zone by pre-screening travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter.

In layman's terms: if you don’t need a visa to visit a country in the Schengen zone (France, Italy, or the Netherlands, for example), you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before entering your country of destination. This policy hasn't went into effect just yet, but you can expect it to launch at the end of 2026.

Now, ETIAS isn't a visa, but rather a travel authorization similar to the ESTA system used by the United States. (Many foreign travelers who want to go to the US must get travel authorization to do so).

ETIAS applies to travelers from dozens of countries who previously didn’t need a visa to visit Europe for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180 days).

The application is 100% online and should only take 10-20 minutes. While there is a small fee to apply, the entire process should be relatively simple.

Which travelers need ETIAS?

One of the most common questions is: Which countries need ETIAS authorization? If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you'll need to obtain ETIAS approval before entering any Schengen zone country.

The good news is that the application process is straightforward, and once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Some of the countries that will need ETIAS authorization include (but there are even more!):

• United States
• Canada
• The United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico

If you're a citizen of these or any other visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before your next European getaway (from 2026 onward).

What countries require ETIAS?

ETIAS applies to the entire Schengen area, which includes most European Union countries as well as a few non-EU countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement.

The ETIAS countries list includes 30 countries, 29 of which are part of the Schengen area. These countries are:

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

Additionally, while not a member of the Schengen zone, ETIAS approval is required to enter Cyprus as well.

Countries that need ETIAS: when and why?

You might be wondering why ETIAS is being introduced and when exactly you'll need it. The ETIAS system is expected to become operational in 2026, although the exact date may shift as the system is finalized. In fact, the expected launch date has already changed a couple of times.

Once it has been launched, however, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for a ETIAS before heading abroad to any of the 30 countries listed above.

The reason behind the implementation of ETIAS is simple: safety.

The system is designed to identify potential security risks before travelers enter Europe, ensuring that individuals with any ties to crime, terrorism, or other security risks are appropriately flagged. This extra layer of screening helps protect both travelers and the residents of the Schengen area.

Other countries like the US and the UK already have similar systems in place.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Applying for ETIAS will only take a few minutes and be done entirely online! ETIAS doesn’t require you to visit an embassy or consulate or anything like that. If you've ever applied for a visa before, you'll find that ETIAS is a much faster and simpler undertaking.

Here’s a quick overview of the process.

• Fill out the ETIAS application form online: You’ll need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and contact details, as well as passport information and travel plans.
• Answer a few questions: You’ll need to answer a few questions related to your background, such as your highest level of education.
• Pay the fee: There is a small application fee that will need to be paid using a credit or debit card (7 euros). This fee is waived for applicants under the age of 18 and over the age of 70.
• Receive your ETIAS authorization: When approved, your ETIAS authorization will be sent to your email. This is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so make sure you apply for ETIAS well before your travel date – just in case.

When approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do I need to print out an ETIAS certificate?

No. Once approved, your ETIAS approval will be automatically linked to your passport and will be visible to authorities during passport scans.

The entire system is digital, from application to approval to proof.

What happens if my ETIAS is denied?

If your ETIAS authorization is denied, you will receive the reason for the decision. You can then appeal to the authorities in the Schengen country that rejected your application. You'll receive instructions on how to do this inside the email detailing the rejection.

From 2026 on, ETIAS approval will be mandatory, and you cannot travel to the Schengen area without it (unless you have a valid Schengen visa).

Why is my ETIAS taking so long to be approved?

Most of the time, approval will be given within a couple of minutes. When approval is taking longer, it can be due to a number of reasons, such as specific answers provided in the application (they may need to look over your application manually), an error on the application (such as incorrect name or passport number), or because they need additional clarity.

ETIAS applications should be approved (or denied) within 30 business days, and you will be notified either way. Keep an eye on your ETIAS account and email address for any updates.

What happens if you don’t apply for ETIAS?

If you’re from a visa-exempt country and try to travel to Europe without obtaining ETIAS, you may be denied boarding by your airline or entry into the country when you arrive.

This is why you must have your ETIAS authorization before leaving for your European adventure. It isn’t optional once it's launched in 2026.

FAQs about ETIAS