ETIAS Requirements
Who needs Europe's new travel authorization
Applications Not Yet Open
The ETIAS system is expected to launch in Q4 2026. Applications are not yet being accepted. The only official site is travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
Quick Facts
To apply for ETIAS, you need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card. No supporting documents, photos, or interviews required.
Documents Passport only
Photos Not required
Interview Not required
Fee €20
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals visiting Europe's Schengen Area. Similar to US ESTA or Canada's eTA — it's a pre-screening system, not a visa.
ETIAS applies to 60 nationalities with visa-free access. From Q4 2026, you'll need approval before visiting any of the 30 Schengen countries.
Who Needs What?
- EU Citizens — No ETIAS needed. Citizens of EU member states can travel freely within the Schengen Area using their national ID card or passport.
- Visa-Exempt Nationals — ETIAS required from Q4 2026. Citizens of 60 countries currently enjoy visa-free access but will need ETIAS authorization before travel.
- Visa-Required Nationals — Schengen Visa required. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen Visa through an embassy or consulate.
EU family members with residence cards may be exempt from ETIAS. Check your specific situation.
Countries That Need ETIAS
- Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
- Europe (non-EU): United Kingdom, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
- Middle East & Africa: United Arab Emirates, Israel, Mauritius, Seychelles
ETIAS at a Glance
💶
Cost €20 Free for under 18 and over 70
📅
Validity 3 years Or until passport expires
⏱️
Stay Limit 90 days Per 180-day period
🌍
Countries Covered 30 Schengen + associated states
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these criteria:
- Valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Schengen
- Issued within the last 10 years at time of entry
- Machine-readable (biometric preferred but not required)
ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport. New passport means new ETIAS application.
Special Cases
EU family members: If you have a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen, you may be exempt from ETIAS. Diplomatic passports: Holders of diplomatic or service passports should check specific requirements with their ministry of foreign affairs.
Requirements FAQs
Do US citizens need ETIAS?
Yes. US citizens will need ETIAS to visit any of the 30 Schengen countries starting Q4 2026. The authorization costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Yes. Since Brexit, UK citizens are considered third-country nationals and will need ETIAS for visa-free travel to Europe. The UK also has its own ETA system for visitors.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes, every traveler needs their own ETIAS authorization, including children. However, ETIAS is free for travelers under 18 and over 70.
What if I have dual citizenship with an EU country?
If you hold citizenship of any EU member state, you don't need ETIAS. Simply travel using your EU passport.
Is ETIAS required for Ireland?
No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and has its own entry requirements. ETIAS only covers the 30 Schengen and Schengen-associated countries.
Related Information
Last updated: