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Europe Visa Check

How to Apply for ETIAS

Complete application guide

Applications Not Yet Open

The ETIAS application portal is expected to open in Summer 2026, with the system launching in Q4 2026. The only official site will be travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Do not trust any site claiming to accept applications now.
Quick Facts

ETIAS applications will be completed online in minutes. No embassy visit needed — just your passport, email, and a payment card.

Cost €20
Processing Minutes
Method Online only
Validity 3 years

5 Steps to Get ETIAS

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to travel-europe.europa.eu/etias — the only legitimate ETIAS website. Never use third-party sites that charge extra fees.

  2. 2

    Complete the Application Form

    Fill in your personal details, passport information, and answer background questions. The form takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

  3. 3

    Pay the Fee

    Pay the €20 fee using a credit or debit card (free for travelers under 18 or over 70). Payment is required to submit your application.

  4. 4

    Wait for Processing

    Most applications are approved within minutes. Some may take up to 96 hours, or up to 30 days if additional verification is needed.

  5. 5

    Receive Your ETIAS

    Your approved ETIAS will be sent to your email and linked electronically to your passport. No need to print anything.

What to Expect

ETIAS is entirely online — no embassy visits, no interviews, no paper documents. It's designed to be quick and straightforward.

The form takes about 15-20 minutes, plus waiting time for approval. Have your passport ready before you start.

Application Quick Facts

💻
Application Online Only No embassy visit required
💶
Fee €20 Free for under 18/over 70
⚡
Processing Minutes 95%+ approved instantly
📅
Validity 3 years Multiple entries allowed

What You'll Need to Apply

  • Valid passport — Must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Europe
  • Email address — Where you'll receive your approved ETIAS
  • Payment method — Credit or debit card for the €20 fee
  • Travel plans — Your first destination country in the Schengen Area

Typical Application Timeline

  1. Start application on official portal

  2. Complete form and submit payment

  3. Most applicants receive approval email

  4. Some applications require additional time

  5. Flagged cases may require manual review

When to Apply

You can apply up to 6 months before your trip. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before travel to allow time for any unexpected delays. Don't wait until the last minute!

After Approval

Your ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport — nothing to print. Border officials verify your authorization by scanning your passport.

Valid for 3 years (or until passport expiry), ETIAS allows multiple entries. Stay up to 90 days per 180-day period.

Save your confirmation email. Check your status on the official portal anytime.

Prepare for Your Application

Documents Needed

Complete checklist of what to have ready

Processing Time

How long approval takes

ETIAS Requirements

Check if you need ETIAS

Application FAQs

When should I apply for ETIAS?
Apply at least 72 hours before your trip. While most applications are approved in minutes, some may take longer. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
How long does ETIAS processing take?
95%+ of applications are approved within minutes. Some cases take up to 96 hours. If additional verification is needed (interview, extra documents), it can take up to 30 days.
Can I apply for my whole family at once?
Each traveler needs their own ETIAS application, but you can complete applications for family members (including children) one after another. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are free.
What if I don't have all my travel details yet?
You only need to provide your first destination country in the Schengen Area. You don't need confirmed bookings or a detailed itinerary to apply.
Can I apply after I've booked my flight?
Yes, you can apply any time up to 72 hours before travel (or even closer, but this is risky). However, airlines may require ETIAS before boarding, so don't wait too long.

Related Information

Schengen Visa Guide Schengen Calculator UK Travel Requirements Travel Insurance

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