Beginning in 2026, travelers to Europe will need to secure an additional requirement. Thankfully, it’s not a traditional visa: It’s the ETIAS. Correspondingly, the European Travel Information and Authorization System is designed for visa-exempt non-European travelers.
If you’re planning a short stay in Europe for tourism, business, or study, then you might need to secure the authorization. Hence, read on to learn more.
What Is the ETIAS?
As mentioned, ETIAS isn’t technically a visa. Instead, it’s a pre-travel authorization system for travelers from visa-exempt countries heading to certain European countires.
Specifically, the European Union created the travel authorization to boost security and better screen travelers before they arrive. It works similarly to the U.S. ESTA system.
Although visa-exempt nationals are eligible for ETIAS, you still need approval before departure. Overall, the application is quick, electronic, and applies to short-term stays of up to 90 days.
Who Needs ETIAS?
If you’re from a country that currently enjoys visa-free entry to Europe, then you’ll need the authorization starting in 2025. In particular, this includes travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and over 50 other countries.
You’ll need ETIAS if:
- You’re staying 90 days or less
- You’re visiting specific European countries
- You’re traveling for tourism, business, medical, or transit
Meanwhile, if you’re an EU citizen or have a long-term visa for Europe, then you don’t need ETIAS.
How Does ETIAS Work?
The application is fully online and takes just minutes to complete. As such, you won’t need to visit a consulate or embassy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A credit or debit card
- An email address
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
Firstly, your country must be on the visa-exempt list for the travel authorization.
Step 2: Gather required documents.
Next, ensure you have a valid passport (with at least 3 months’ validity beyond the departure date). In addition, you must provide your personal and travel details (study program information). Moreover, you should not have any serious criminal record or past travel bans.
Step 3: Complete the online application.
Visit the online application platform. Next, provide your biometric details, travel history, and security-related answers. Lastly, pay the fee.
Step 4: Wait for approval.
Generally, most applications are approved within minutes. If authorities require additional screening, then the processing can take longer. Next, the approved ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport.
Step 5: Travel to Europe.
Show your passport (withapproval) at border control. In addition, remember to ensure your stay does not exceed 90 days.
Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
Keep in mind that approval doesn’t guarantee entry. Overall, border officers still make the final call.
ETIAS for Different Travelers
Tourists
Planning a European vacation? Then ETIAS makes short-term travel easier. Hence, you won’t need to apply for a traditional visa anymore.
In addition, it’s perfect for multi-country trips since one approval covers several European countries.
Just apply once, and you’re cleared for travel across 30 countries in Europe.
Students (Short-Term Programs)
Attending a short language course or workshop in Europe? Then ETIAS has you covered—for any program under 90 days.
Meanwhile, if you are seeking longer programs or university enrollment, then you’ll need a national student visa instead.
Business Travelers
Frequent business trips to Europe? ETIAS helps you travel smoothly for meetings, conferences, or contract work under three months. Overall, it’s a fast and reliable solution for professionals on tight schedules.
ETIAS vs Schengen Visa
Many travelers confuse ETIAS with the Schengen Visa. But they’re very different. As such, here’s a snapshot of their key differences.
ETIAS:
- For travelers from visa-exempt countries
- Simple online process
- Valid for 90-day stays over a 180-day period
Schengen Visa:
- For travelers who need a visa to enter Europe
- Requires embassy appointments, documents, and processing time
- Grants access for short stays but involves more red tape
Bottom line: If your country is visa-exempt, then you’ll need ETIAS—not a visa.
Countries That Require ETIAS
Once ETIAS takes effect, visa-exempt travelers will need it to visit the Schengen Area.
This includes citizens of:
- 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
- Macao
- 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
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Meanwhile, you can use one ETIAS approval to travel across these European countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Rebublic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
If you already have ETIAS, then you can move between these countries without additional checks.
Travel Tips
ETIAS is designed to make travel safer and easier, not harder. Correspondingly, just follow these few tips to stay ahead:
- Apply ahead of your trip.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Save your confirmation email and carry a digital or printed copy.
If your passport expires, then your authorization becomes invalid, even if the three years aren’t up.
Overall, before traveling, always double-check for the latest ETIAS updates.
Conclusion
ETIAS is a major update to European travel rules. But it’s designed to be easy, fast, and secure.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2026 and beyond, then knowing about the authorization now will save you stress later.
As such, apply early, travel smart, and explore Europe with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will ETIAS become mandatory?
Following the October 2025 launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), the travel authorization is scheduled for implementation in late 2026. As such, travelers should begin applying before their trips during that timeframe.
What if authorities deny my ETIAS application?
If authorities deny your application, then you’ll receive a reason. Correspondingly, you may appeal the decision or reapply after correcting the issue. Otherwise, you may need to apply for a traditional visa instead.
Is ETIAS required for children?
Yes, it is mandatory for children. Overall, all travelers, including minors, need it. As such, parents or guardians must submit the application for children.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, UK citizens need to obtain approval. Consequently, since Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU members. Hence, they now need ETIAS to visit certain European countries.
What happens if I show up without ETIAS?
Airlines may deny boarding at your departure airport. If you make it to Europe, then border agents can refuse entry.
Can I apply for ETIAS at the airport?
No. Specifically, you must apply online before your trip.
What if I have dual citizenship?
If one of your passports is from a European country requiring ETIAS, then you do not need the authorization when using it.
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
