ETIAS vs ESTA

Europe's ETIAS compared to America's ESTA

Quick Facts

ETIAS is Europe's equivalent of the US ESTA system. Both are online travel authorizations for visa-exempt nationals, but they cover different regions.

ETIAS Europe/Schengen

ESTA United States

ETIAS Cost €20

ESTA Cost $21

Two Similar Systems

Both ETIAS and ESTA are electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt travelers. They serve the same purpose: pre-screening visitors before they arrive, without requiring a full visa application.

If you've used ESTA to visit the United States, the ETIAS process will feel familiar. There are some key differences worth understanding.

Full Comparison

Feature	ETIAS (Europe)	ESTA (USA)
Type	Travel authorization	Travel authorization
Cost	€20	$21 (→$40 in 2026)
Validity	3 years	2 years
Max Stay	90 days / 180 days	90 days per visit
Countries	30 Schengen states	USA only
Age Exemptions	Under 18/over 70 free	No exemptions
Processing	Minutes to 30 days	Minutes to 72 hours
Application	Online only	Online only
Launch Date	Q4 2026	2009 (operational)

Key Differences at a Glance

💰

Cost Advantage ETIAS €20 vs $40, plus age exemptions

📅

Longer Validity ETIAS 3 years vs 2 years

🌍

More Countries ETIAS 30 countries vs 1

✅

Operational Now ESTA ETIAS launches Q4 2026

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors to Europe's Schengen Area. It covers 30 countries with a single authorization.

ETIAS costs €20 for adults (free for under 18 and over 70), is valid for 3 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What is ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been operational since 2009. It's required for citizens of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries visiting the United States.

ESTA costs $21 (increasing to $40 in 2026), is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit to the US.

What They Have in Common

Online application process
Pre-travel requirement (apply before boarding)
Security screening against databases
Multiple entries allowed
Not a visa — doesn't guarantee entry
Linked electronically to passport

Key Differences

Age exemptions: ETIAS is free for under 18/over 70; ESTA has no exemptions
Validity: ETIAS lasts 3 years; ESTA lasts 2 years
Stay calculation: ETIAS uses rolling 90/180 days; ESTA is 90 days per visit
Coverage: ETIAS covers 30 countries; ESTA covers only the USA
Processing: ETIAS may take up to 30 days; ESTA rarely exceeds 72 hours

Need Both?

Americans traveling to Europe will need ETIAS. Europeans (from ESTA-eligible countries) traveling to the USA need ESTA. If visiting both destinations, you'll need both authorizations.

Learn More

ETIAS Requirements

Who needs ETIAS for Europe

ETIAS Cost

Fee breakdown and exemptions

ETIAS for Americans

Guide for US travelers

Comparison FAQs

Do I need both ETIAS and ESTA?

Only if traveling to both regions. ETIAS is for Europe (Schengen), ESTA is for the USA. They're separate systems operated by different authorities.

Is it the same application process?

Very similar — both are online forms asking for personal, passport, and security information. ETIAS includes more background questions but the format is comparable.

Which one costs more?

ESTA will cost more ($40) than ETIAS (€20) once the new ESTA fee takes effect in 2026. Plus, ETIAS is free for travelers under 18 or over 70.

Can I use ETIAS to visit the USA or ESTA to visit Europe?

No. They're completely separate systems. ETIAS is only valid for Schengen countries; ESTA is only valid for the United States.

Which one is valid longer?

ETIAS (3 years) is valid longer than ESTA (2 years), though both are subject to passport expiry.

Related Information

Schengen Area Guide Schengen Calculator UK Travel Requirements Check Your Requirements