ETIAS Visa Waiver for Liechtenstein

The Liechtenstein ETIAS, standing for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be available for eligible travellers from 2026 . From this date, citizens wishing to visit Liechtenstein will be able to apply for their European visa waiver online through a simple form.

Human settlements in Liechtenstein date as far back as 5300 BC. Throughout the land’s history, it has witnessed Alpine tribes; the rise and fall of the Roman Empire; the beginning of the Alemanni, a Germanic community; Frankish dominance; East Francia possession; finally combining lands from feudal lords and obtaining different territories to become a Roman Principality in 1719.

In the following centuries, Liechtenstein would continue to endure political turmoil as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, the Austrian Empire and the 20th-century world wars.

Coming into the current century, Liechtenstein now claims one of the world’s highest standards of living for its population and is one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

IS LIECHTENSTEIN AN EUROPEAN COUNTRY?

Liechtenstein is actually not a member of the European Union but it is part of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. It also participates in the European Free Trade Association.

Despite not being a part of the EU, Liechtenstein is located within the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area which means it is still subject to the laws of this political region. ETIAS regulation will apply to Liechtenstein.

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has multiple worthwhile attractions for tourists. Pleasantly surprising travellers to Liechtenstein, the nation is home to interesting museums, historical landmarks, intricate cathedrals and castles, stunning landscapes, and unique sporting experiences.

Europe’s visa liberalisation policy has made visiting Liechtenstein and multiple European destinations in a single vacation easier for eligible travellers.

From 2026 , visitors that can enter Liechtenstein visa-free can obtain an ETIAS visa waiver online. ETIAS holders visiting Liechtenstein will be able to cross the border to take a day trip —or longer— and visit its neighbouring countries of Switzerland and Austria.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR LIECHTENSTEIN

Is health insurance required when travelling to Liechtenstein? The short answer is, it depends.

Although being able to rely on medical insurance when visiting Liechtenstein brings many travellers peace of mind, it is only mandatory for certain nationalities.

Furthermore, the requirement to take out health insurance before visiting Liechtenstein is also tied to the purpose and duration of the trip.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA LIECHTENSTEIN

Foreign nationals with a passport from a country that requires a Schengen visa to enter Liechtenstein are required to obtain health insurance for their trip.

The medical insurance for Schengen visa holders travelling to Liechtenstein must cover the citizen for at least 30,000 euros. The coverage must be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.

Schengen visa applicants who fail to comply with the visa requirements, including medical insurance, may see their request rejected and be unable to travel to Liechtenstein.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS LIECHTENSTEIN

Eligible travellers must make sure to have all the ETIAS requirements at hand before applying for their visa waiver for Liechtenstein.

The requirements for an ETIAS are simple, applicants need to have:

International visitors from ETIAS eligible countries are not obliged to take out a medical insurance policy for their trip to Liechtenstein.

Travellers from within the European Union are covered in Liechtenstein by their free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

LIECHTENSTEIN BORDER CONTROL: WHAT TO EXPECT AT

The Schengen Area —including Liechtenstein— functions as a single country in terms of its external borders.

At the time of writing, non-EU travellers from visa-exempt countries can enter Liechtenstein with a valid passport and no additional documentation. Nevertheless, ETIAS is scheduled to launch in in 2026 and become a mandatory entry requirement for travellers from visa-free countries soon after.

Travellers will need to fill out an online application —which takes no more than 10 minutes— before their departure. The ETIAS visa waiver for Liechtenstein should be processed within less than 3 business days.

Once granted, the ETIAS will be digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, and border control officials will be able to view the visa waiver when scanning the traveller’s passport upon arrival at Liechtenstein border checkpoints.

Visitors arriving with an approved ETIAS who comply with the country’s entry requirements will have their entry registered in the European Entry-Exit System. Those who do not will have their entry rejection to Liechtenstein recorded in the EES as well.

Passengers required to have a Schengen visa will also be checked upon arrival. Those with a valid entry permit and the necessary requirements will be allowed into Liechtenstein.

Schengen visa required travellers must have the following at hand when arriving in Liechtenstein:

European Union passport holders are only required to carry a national identification document when entering Liechtenstein.

ARRIVING IN LIECHTENSTEIN BY PLANE, TRAIN OR ROAD

Liechtenstein has a heliport in Balzers but no airport. The nearest international airports are:

There are multiple flights a week from several European cities such as:

Once travellers have landed in either Zurich or Friedrichshafen, they can get to Liechtenstein by road or rail.

Some popular train and bus routes to Liechtenstein include:

The Alpine state of Liechtenstein offers summer and winter mountain activities. Liechtenstein is an excellent vacation spot for adventure travellers as well as families. There is a range of resorts catering for all types of visitors, whatever the weather.

Some museums worth visiting in Liechtenstein include the Walser Heimatmuseum in Triesenberg, the Kuntsmuseum in Vaduz —its fine arts museum for modern and contemporary art.

Wine lovers will find the Hofkellerei wine cellars of Liechtenstein particularly inviting. With friendly staff and award-winning wines as well as walks along the wine trail, visitors can experience the wine-making process from grapevine to glass.

To witness Liechtenstein’s unique architecture, many tourists enjoy visiting:

Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers will find no shortage of hiking trails and pristine landscapes, including Prince’s Way Hike through the Rätikon Mountains, the Eschenberg Trail, and the Ski Region in Malbun.