The ETIAS travel authorization or “Europe Travel Information and Authorization System” is going to be implemented by the EU in the first half of 2025. This new digitalized system will be implemented for almost 60 countries whose 1.4 Billion nationals have visa-free entry in the EU countries.
What is ETIAS?
Travelers from the nationals of all 63 countries that do not require a visa to enter the EU countries will have to apply online for the ETIAS which is an authorization to enter the 30 EU countries.
The visa waiver authorization will be valid for 3 years or till the passport is expired once issued. Furthermore, it will be digitally linked with the passport of the traveler. If you get a new passport, previously received ETIAS will not be valid and you then must get a new one. The ETIAS is for a short stay only in the 30 EU countries. This means a maximum of 90 days into a 180-day period.
The bearer of ETIAS can enter and exit the EU countries as many times as they want. However, the entry each time is not guaranteed. The border guard will check the passport, ETIAS, and other entry documents.
How to apply for the ETIAS?
The official website of the EU for the ETIAS travel authorization is not yet operational. Once the launch date is announced, the website will be active to apply for the ETIAS online. The application process details are as follows:
| Steps | Details |
| Applying for ETIAS | Apply via the official ETIAS website or mobile app.- Cost: €7 (exemptions for certain travelers).- Ensure you have the required information for the application. |
| Processing Time | Most applications are processed within minutes.- If delayed, expect a decision within 4 days.- Can extend to 14 days if additional info is required or up to 30 days if an interview is needed.- Apply well in advance of your trip. |
| After Application | You receive an email confirmation with your unique ETIAS application number.- Keep this number for reference.- Once processed, receive another email with the result.- If approved, verify all details (name, passport number, etc.). Incorrect info can lead to entry denial. |
| If Refused | Refusal email includes reasons for rejection.- Provides details on how to appeal, including the authority to contact and the deadline for appeals. |
| Validity | Valid for 3 years or until the passport used in the application expires (whichever comes first).- Permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must have a valid ETIAS throughout the entire stay.- Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period, respecting the time limits. |
| At the Border | ETIAS is linked to your travel document; carry the same document used during the application. Failure to do so will result in denial of boarding or entry.- A valid ETIAS does not guarantee entry; border guards will verify entry conditions.- Non-compliant travelers will be refused entry. |
What is the fee for ETIAS?
Eligible applicants aged between 18 and 70 will have to pay €7 online to get the ETIAS issued. It will be free of cost for travelers under 18 and above 70 years of age.
Who requires ETIAS authorization to enter EU countries?
The citizens and nationals of the following over 60 visa-exempt countries will from 2025 be (the exact implementation date has not been decided yet) required to get ETIAS authorization to enter the EU countries. These countries are as follows:
| Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | Andorra | United Arab Emirates | Antigua and Barbuda | Albania | Argentina |
| Australia | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Barbados | Brunei | Brazil | Bahamas |
| Canada | Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica | Dominica | Micronesia |
| Grenada | Georgia | Guatemala | Honduras | Israel | Japan |
| Kiribati | Saint Kitts and Nevis | South Korea | Saint Lucia | Monaco | Moldova |
| Montenegro | Marshall Islands | Mauritius | Mexico | Malaysia | Nicaragua |
| Nauru | New Zealand | Panama | Peru | Palau | Paraguay |
| Serbia (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (in Serbian: Koordinaciona uprava) | Solomon Islands | Seychelles | Singapore | San Marino | El Salvador |
| Timor-Leste | Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago | Tuvalu | Ukraine | United Kingdom (*excluding British nationals) |
| United States | Uruguay | Holy See | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Venezuela | Vanuatu |
| Samoa | Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR | Entities and territorial authorities not recognized as states by at least one member state: Taiwan and Kosovo |
British nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories citizens (these territories include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands), British Overseas Citizens (BOC), British Protected Persons (BPP), and British Subjects (BS).
Which EU countries will require ETIAS?
Overall, 30 European countries will require travelers from visa-free countries to present ETIAS at the time of entry. The list of the EU countries is as follows:
| AUSTRIA | BELGIUM | BULGARIA | CROATIA | CYPRUS | CZECH REPUBLIC |
| DENMARK | ESTONIA | FINLAND | FRANCE | GERMANY | GREECE |
| HUNGARY | ICELAND | ITALY | LATVIA | LIECHTENSTEIN | LITHUANIA |
| LUXEMBOURG | MALTA | NETHERLANDS | NORWAY | POLAND | PORTUGAL |
| ROMANIA | SLOVAKIA | SLOVENIA | SPAIN | SWEDEN | SWITZERLAND |
ETIAS for visa-required countries
As mentioned above, the ETIAS travel authorization is for the citizens of visa-exempt countries to the EU, but still in some cases, the citizens of visa-required countries would also be able to acquire ETIAS to enter other EU countries. These cases are as follows:
| Candidates | Conditions | Action Required |
| School Trip to Europe (ETIAS Required) | – Student from visa-required country- Living in an eligible European country- Traveling with school group | Ensure no visa is needed for entry to all planned ETIAS countries. Check requirements with consulates. |
| Recognized Refugee (ETIAS Required) | – Resident of an eligible European country or Ireland- Holds travel document- No visa is needed for ETIAS countries | Verify exemption status for visa requirements. Confirm with consulates before travel. |
| Stateless Persons (ETIAS Required) | – Resident of an eligible European country or Ireland- Holds travel document- No visa is needed for ETIAS countries | Ensure all conditions are met for ETIAS.Contact consulates to verify visa exemption. |
Who does not need ETIAS travel authorization?
The following candidates when they travel to the EU countries do not need an ETIAS travel authorization:
| Category | ETIAS Requirement | Key Details |
| National of ETIAS-required country | Not Required | Nationals of European countries requiring ETIAS do not need an ETIAS. |
| UK Nationals (Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries) | Not Required | UK nationals and family members can travel with documents proving their status. |
| Nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican, or Ireland | Not Required | No ETIAS needed. |
| Refugee or Stateless in ETIAS country | Not Required | If residing in an ETIAS country with a travel document. |
| Holder of Residence Permit/Card in ETIAS country | Not Required | Relevant permits and documents are accepted; confirm with the issuing authority. |
| Holder of Uniform/National Visa | Not Required | Holders of valid visas are exempt from ETIAS. |
| Diplomatic, Service, Special Passport Holders | Not Required | Exempt from ETIAS and visa requirements for specific countries. |
| NATO Personnel | Not Required | Exempt if traveling for official NATO or Partnership for Peace business. |
| International Organization Document Holder | Not Required | May still need a visa; check with consulates before travel. |
| Intra-Corporate Transferees, Students, Researchers | Not Required | Exempt when exercising mobility rights under specific EU directives. |
| Crew Members (Air, Sea, Emergency, Rescue) | May Be Required | ETIAS may be needed; check requirements specific to crew type and country before travel. |
ETIAS for the UK Citizens
The citizens of the United Kingdom will need to hold ETIAS when they enter the EU countries after the implementation. This will allow them a short stay (90 days during a 180-day period) in the member countries.
On the other hand, UK nationals having “Withdrawal Agreement” status will not require the ETIAS. The foreigners living in the UK who are not UK nationals and do not belong to visa-exempt countries must not apply for the ETIAS to enter the EU member states.