By 2026 , US citizens and many other nationalities will need to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver before traveling to Europe. Since the European Union made the announcement, there has been some confusion about exactly what ETIAS is.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be similar to the American ESTA. It is an electronic travel authorisation, or visa waiver, not a visa.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VISA AND A VISA WAIVER?
Visas and visa waivers are 2 different types of travel permits.
Several countries use visa waivers to facilitate safer visa-free travel. Visa waivers are entry permits for foreign nationals who are exempt from applying for a visa to enter a particular country or territory.
VISA WAIVER APPLICATIONS ARE FASTER AND LESS COMPLEX
Visa waiver systems allow safety checks to be carried out without having to go through the visa application process.
The application is usually online, and applicants do not generally have to provide biometric information or attend an interview. Applying for a visa waiver is quicker and easier than obtaining a visa.
VISA WAIVERS AND VISAS ARE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAVELLERS
Travellers cannot choose between a visa waiver and a visa. The required document depends on factors such as:
- Nationality
- Length of stay
- Reason for visiting
Countries with visa waiver programmes have a list of nationalities allowed to travel without a visa. Travellers must hold a passport from one of these countries to apply for a visa waiver.
Visa waivers are generally for short holidays or business trips. To work, study, or reside in a foreign country, a visa is usually required.
EXAMPLE: THE ETIAS VISA WAIVER VS THE SCHENGEN VISA
Europe has a new visa waiver, ETIAS. ETIAS is not a visa and is different from the Schengen Visa.
From 2026 , passport holders from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS before visiting Schengen countries on holiday or business.
WHO WILL NEED AN ETIAS VISA WAIVER AND WHO WILL NEED A SCHENGEN VISA?
ETIAS is for non-EU citizens who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area. This includes visa-exempt nations such as Australia and the United States.
Visitors from all other countries need a Schengen Visa to cross an external border.
Both the ETIAS and the Schengen Visa are for short stays in Europe, up to 90 days per 180-day period.
Third-country nationals who require a Schengen Visa will not be eligible for ETIAS. Travellers who do not meet Europe’s ETIAS requirements must hold a valid visa to cross an external border.
As a visa waiver, ETIAS is for short stays. Visa-exempt travellers can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period with ETIAS.
WHY IS THE EU INTRODUCING A VISA WAIVER PROGRAMME?
The main reason why visa waiver programmes are popular is that they strengthen border control. ETIAS will increase security across the Schengen Area by pre-screening visa-free foreign visitors.
Anyone who poses a health or security risk can be prevented from entering Europe. Each applicant’s information will be cross-checked against international security databases.
The visa waiver system will make European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, even safer travel destinations.
ADVANTAGES OF THE ETIAS VISA WAIVER VS VISA
One of the advantages of the ETIAS Visa Waiver is that the price will be lower for than a Schengen Visa.
As previously mentioned, visa waiver applications are less complicated and faster. The ETIAS application will be 100% online and requires just a few basic details.
The vast majority of applications will be quickly approved. When they are, the approved visa waivers will be sent to applicants by email.
WHAT DO I NEED TO VISIT THE UK OR IRELAND?
The UK is no longer part of the European Union and was never part of the Schengen Area. Anyone travelling to the United Kingdom must check the visa and entry requirements.
Ireland also has its own immigration policy. Although Ireland is in the EU, it is not part of the Schengen Area. Neither ETIAS nor the Schengen Visa can be used to travel to Ireland.
The UK and Ireland allow passport holders from several countries to enter visa-free for a limited period. The UK has confirmed it will launch its own visa waiver, the UK ETA, by 2025.
