ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is an electronic travel authorisation, also known as a visa waiver.
From 2026 , non-EU visitors travelling to the Schengen Area without a visa will need an ETIAS travel authorisation.
The EU is implementing ETIAS to improve the safety of all those within its borders. The EU began the legal procedures for introducing ETIAS in 2016, though it will not come into effect until 2026 .
WHAT IS ETIAS FOR?
ETIAS is designed to improve security in Europe by screening travellers who do not need a visa before their arrival in the Schengen Area. The ETIAS process will determine whether a citizen can enter the Schengen Area visa-free or not.
To obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation, travellers will complete an online application form. Applicants have to enter their personal details such as their name, date of birth and address, information about their trip, as well as some security questions.
By cross-checking information against various databases, ETIAS will detect if a person is a security threat to any of the Schengen countries.
ETIAS has similar objectives to the American ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). Both systems provide an added layer of control over visa-exempt foreign citizens.
WHAT IS THE ETIAS PROCESS?
A passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area is needed to apply for ETIAS. Other ETIAS requirements include a credit or debit card and an email account.
With ETIAS for Europe, travellers can visit all of the ETIAS countries, which are the nations that make up the Schengen Area. After entering the zone, visitors can move freely between the Schengen countries, as there are no hard internal borders.
There are more than 50 countries whose citizens need to apply ETIAS to visit the Schengen zone.
ETIAS will also be required to enter Cyprus, which is in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR VISA-FREE TRAVEL?
These are the main conditions for visa-free travel to Europe with ETIAS:
- Stay for no more than 90 days per 180-day period
- Travel for tourism, business or study
A visa is required to work in Europe or for longer-term studies.
An ETIAS travel authorisation can be used for multiple trips to Europe over 3 consecutive years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS IMPLEMENTATION - FINAL STAGES
Following several years of preparations, the new travel authorisation will be available from 2026 , provided that no new delays are announced.
The EU Member States are now making the final preparations for ETIAS — the infographic above illustrates the steps to be completed in the coming months.
As shown, there will be an implementation period to ensure a smooth transition.