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 (in 2025). But what exactly is ETIAS, and which countries require it?

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

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 require a visa to visit a country in the Schengen zone (France, Italy, or the Netherlands, for example), you’ll now need to apply for ETIAS before entering your country of destination from 2025 on.

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).

ETIAS makes the process of entering Europe more secure and is designed to be simple, fast, and user-friendly, taking only a few minutes to complete the online application and pay a fee.

Which countries need an 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 an ETIAS visa waiver 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 2025 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 29 countries, all 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 you’ll need it. The ETIAS system is expected to become operational in 2025, although the exact date may shift as the system is finalized. Once it’s in place, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before heading to Europe.

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 ties to crime, terrorism, or other risks are flagged. This extra layer of screening helps protect both travelers and the residents of the Schengen area.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Applying for ETIAS only takes a few minutes and is done entirely online! ETIAS doesn’t require you to visit an embassy or consulate, or anything like that. Here’s a quick overview of the process.

• Fill out the application form on ETIAS: 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 health and security questions: You’ll need to answer a few questions related to your background. This section is to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of all travelers and citizens of the Schengen area.
• Pay the fee: There is a small application fee that can be paid using a credit or debit card (around 7 euros).
• Receive your ETIAS authorization: If 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. It never hurts to print out a copy of the certificate, or save a digital confirmation, however, just in case.

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 within the email detailing the rejection.

From 2025 on, ETIAS approval is mandatory and you cannot travel to the Schengen area without it (or a valid visa).

Why is my ETIAS taking so long for approval?

Most of the time, approval is given within 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 the need for 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.

What happens if you don’t apply for ETIAS?

If you’re from a visa-exempt country and attempt to travel to Europe without obtaining ETIAS, you may be denied boarding by your airline – or at the point of entry.

This is why you must have your ETIAS authorization before leaving for your European adventure. It isn’t optional once launched in 2025.

ETIAS highlights for European travel

• ETIAS will be required from 2025 on.
• ETIAS is not a visa, it’s a travel authorization.
• You’ll be able to apply for ETIAS online and it only takes a few minutes.
• The ETIAS application process is fast and easy.
• There is an ETIAS processing fee of 7 euros.
• You may be denied boarding or entry if you do not apply for ETIAS before your trip.
• US citizens will need ETIAS before traveling to countries in the Schengen zone (Such as France, Italy, Spain, and more).
• ETIAS makes the Schengen zone safer for everyone.