 Map of Europe Schengen Area Countries with open borders to the Schengen area Committed to join Schengen Area | |
| Policy of |  European Union |
|---|---|
| Type | Electronic travel authorisation system area |
| Expected implementation | Last quarter of 2026 |
| Applicable countries | 30 countries +4 countries and 1 territory indirectly
|
TheEuropean Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic authorisation system of theEuropean Union for visa-exempt visitors travelling to theSchengen Area (includingEFTA countries), as well asCyprus. It is scheduled to come into force in the last quarter of 2026, approximately a year after implementation of theEntry/Exit System.[1] The application fee will be €20 (increased from the originally planned €7)[2] for travellers between ages 18 and 70. Authorisations will be valid for three years or until the expiry date of the passport, whichever comes first.[3]
According to theEuropean Commission, ETIAS is planned to be implemented "for the identification of security,irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors."[4] It is not a visa,[5][6] and it does not guarantee entry.[7]
ETIAS was first proposed by the European Commission in 2016[8] and was formally established by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of theEuropean Parliament and of theEuropean Council of 12 September 2018.[9][10] Due to various reasons, including difficulties in integrating different member states' national systems into a central database, the implementation date has been repeatedly delayed from January 2021.[11][12]
ETIAS is similar to other electronic travel authorisation systems, such as theUnited StatesElectronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)[13] and theUnited KingdomElectronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
ETIAS is required for entry by land, air and sea to 30 European countries, including the 29 member states of theSchengen Area, as well asCyprus.Ireland, which is part of theCommon Travel Area, is the onlymember state of the European Union that continues to have its own visa policy and does not plan to join the Schengen Area or to require ETIAS.[14]
Visitors who havedual nationality of an EU or Schengen country and of a visa-exempt country (for example,Italy andCanada) will not need ETIAS travel authorisation if they hold a travel document from the EU or Schengen country.[15][16]
As of entering into use, ETIAS will be required from nationals of visa-exempt third countries (Annex II)[17] except theEuropean microstates ofAndorra,Monaco,San Marino andVatican City.
However, ETIAS will not be required from holders of visas, residence permits, local border traffic permits; EU/Schengen nationals or their family members holding aresidence card; refugee or stateless travel documents issued by an EU or Schengen country. Crew members; holders of diplomatic or official passports and airport transit passengers are also exempt.[9]
As of 2025[update], holders of ordinary passports of the following countries and territories would match the ETIAS criteria:[18]
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
Macau
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[l]
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaThe following classes of individuals will not require ETIAS:[19]
All prospective visitors will need to complete an online application, and those between ages 18 and 70 must pay a fee of €20.[15] It is estimated that 1.4 billion people will need to apply.[7] The system is expected to process the vast majority of applications automatically by searching in electronic databases and providing an immediate response, but in some limited cases it may take up to 30 days.[20][3] If approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the expiry date of the travel document, whichever is earlier.[3]
After ETIAS comes into force, it will commence with a "transitional period" of at least six months,[21] during which time applications will be accepted, but it will not be mandatory to hold an ETIAS in order to travel. Afterwards, there will be a "grace period" of at least six months, where an ETIAS will be required, but those entering the ETIAS zone for the first time since the start of the transitional period will be allowed to enter.[22]
Travellers who have been refused an ETIAS or expect their ETIAS may not be accepted may apply for a limited validity ETIAS if they have "humanitarian reasons or important obligations" for their travel. It will be valid only for specified countries and for up to 90 days.[23]
Visa policies and requirements in theEuropean Union | |
|---|---|
| Overseas | |
| Candidates | |
| Former members | |
1 - IncludesEFTA states andAkrotiri and Dhekelia. | |
