SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is the European Union’s new travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. It is not a visa: it is a quick online check, linked to your passport, that you complete before you travel - and it does not change the 90/180-day limit.

Cost
€20
Validity
3 years
Countries
30
Expected
Q4 2026

ETIAS is not a visa - here is the difference

This is the single most important thing to understand. A visa is issued by a consulate after an application, often with an interview and supporting documents. ETIAS is an automated travel authorisation for people who are already visa-exempt - most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, entirely online.

If you previously travelled to Europe without a visa, you will still travel without a visa. ETIAS simply adds a pre-travel check, the same way the United States requires an ESTA from its visa-waiver visitors. For the full comparison, see ETIAS vs a Schengen visa.

Who needs ETIAS?

Around 59 visa-exempt nationalities will need ETIAS for the 30 European countries that use it. That is the 29-country Schengen area plus Cyprus. Check your nationality:

How to apply (officially, and only officially)

When ETIAS launches you will apply on the official EU portal at travel-europe.europa.eu. You will enter your passport details, contact and background information, and pay the €20 fee (free under 18 or over 70). The authorisation is then linked electronically to your passport.

There is no other legitimate place to apply and no “application service” worth paying extra for. Lookalike sites that charge a premium are exactly the category the EU warns travellers about - our full breakdown is on the ETIAS requirements page.

Explore the ETIAS guides

ETIAS lets you travel - it does not extend how long you can stay. Before you book, check your days with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is ETIAS a visa?

No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. It is much closer to the US ESTA: a quick online check linked to your passport that visa-exempt travellers complete before they fly. You still are not getting a visa, and you still cannot stay longer than the 90/180-day limit.

How much does ETIAS cost?

The fee is €20. It is free for applicants under 18 or over 70. Beware of lookalike sites charging more - see our ETIAS cost page.

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is expected in the last quarter of 2026. The EU has not announced an exact date and says it will give several months’ notice. We track this on the ETIAS start date page.

Who needs ETIAS?

Nationals of around 59 visa-exempt countries and territories - including the US, UK, Canada and Australia - will need ETIAS to enter the 30 European countries it covers. If you already need a Schengen visa, you do not use ETIAS.

How long is ETIAS valid?

Up to 3 years, or until your passport expires - whichever comes first. Within that period you can use it for multiple short trips, each still capped by the 90/180 rule.

Does ETIAS guarantee entry?

No. ETIAS is permission to travel to the border. A border officer still decides on admission and checks your remaining 90/180 days, purpose of travel and documents on arrival.

Sources