european travel information and authorization system regulation

ETIAS Visa Waiver for Americans

Europe's travel authorization for u.s. citizens.

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US passport holders will soon need ETIAS to travel to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be operational from 2025.

ETIAS is the new travel permit for Americans and other visa-exempt non-EU citizens visiting European destinations such as France , Italy, and Spain.

U.S. nationals can continue to go to Europe visa-free for short stays by applying for ETIAS .

Do Americans need a visa for Europe?

Americans who meet the ETIAS requirements do not need a visa for Europe. This means that US passport holders can travel to Europe without a visa:

• For up to 90 days in any 180-day period
• For tourism, business, and short-term study

Visa-free American visitors need to apply for ETIAS .

Americans must hold a visa or residence permit to stay longer than 3 months or to work in Europe.

WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO VISIT EUROPE?

This is what Americans need to visit Europe for up to 90 days:

• Passport valid for 3 months after exiting the Schengen Area
• ETIAS from 2025

You can find out how to apply for your ETIAS to travel from the US to Europe below.

If you’re staying for longer than 90 days, check the specific requirements for your European destination.

Do American tourists need medical insurance for Europe?

Medical insurance is not an ETIAS requirement . You do not need to provide proof of health insurance to apply.

However, all American travellers are advised to take out insurance that covers medical emergencies and other travel-related incidents.

US citizens need ETIAS for these European countries

Currently, there are 25 european countries that form part of the schengen area:.

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• EU Schengen
• Non-EU Schengen States

Non-Schengen EU States

Non-eu member states:.

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Micro-States de facto part of Schengen Area:

• Vatican City

HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?

As an American, you can apply for ETIAS online. Fill out the electronic form, pay the fees, and submit the application.

You’ll be asked to provide the following information on your application form:

• Name and surname
• Nationality
• Date, place, and country of birth
• Current address
• Contact phone number
• Email address
• Passport number
• Passport issue/expiry date
• Criminal records
• Travel to conflict areas

Why do Americans need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Americans need ETIAS because they are visa-exempt non-EU citizens . The ETIAS regulation applies to third-country nationals who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Other eligible nationalities include British, Australian , and Japanese.

ETIAS pre-screens travellers before they arrive in Europe . By identifying potential threats, ETIAS improves the security of the Schengen Area.

How will my information be used by ETIAS?

The information provided on an ETIAS application form is checked against security databases. These include 3 systems managed by eu-Lisa :

• Schengen Information System (SIS) — database to identify suspected criminals, missing persons and stolen objects.
• Visa Information System (VIS) —database to share visa information
• Eurodac —database storing fingerprints of asylum seekers and irregular migrants

If there is an alert in the system, European authorities know to review the application manually. A decision can then be made on whether to grant travel authorisation.

Is my ETIAS information kept secure?

Information provided on ETIAS applications can only be accessed by authorised users. In addition, advanced technology is used to protect data and prevent any unauthorised access.

ETIAS data protection is in line with European law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

When do Americans need to apply for ETIAS?

Americans need to apply for ETIAS for any trips to Europe after 2025.

After the first ETIAS has been issued, US citizens need to apply in 3 years' time or when their passport expires (whichever is sooner). ETIAS is valid with the passport used to apply only.

Americans planning to visit several European countries on one trip do not need to apply for different visa waivers. ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area.

TRAVELLING TO EUROPE FROM THE US WITH ETIAS

It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe; it grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries.

The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. You do not need to print your ETIAS—it is linked to the passport—but you must travel with the passport you used to apply.

There are regulations and restrictions on carrying weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency when travelling from the USA to Europe. Travellers must check the latest immigration rules.

US and Europe VISA WAIVER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

US citizens may be able to stay in some European countries beyond the 90-day Schengen limit . The United States has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with several countries.

The Schengen Area nations that have bilateral visa-waiver reciprocal agreements with the US are listed below. The maximum stay is also shown.

• Belgium (3 months)
• Denmark (3 months)
• Italy (3 months)
• Hungary (90 days)*
• Portugal (60 days)*
• Spain (90 days)*
• France (90 days)
• Latvia (90 days in half a year)*
• The Netherlands (90 days)*

Schengen-associated country with a bilateral agreement:

• Norway (90 days)

*Only ordinary passports are permitted

US passport holders who take advantage of one of these visa waiver bilateral agreements must exit the Schengen Area from that EU nation. On departure, they must fly directly to a third country or transit in a non-Schengen airport.

In addition, travellers must remain in that particular EU Member State. It is not possible to move freely around Europe under the bilateral agreements.

Bilateral agreements between the United States and European Union Member States are subject to change.

EUROPE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS

US citizens who do not meet the ETIAS requirements need a visa for Europe. Visa applicants need to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate of their European destinations.

Documentation requirements depend on the type of visa requested but may include:

• accommodation bookings
• Round trip flight tickets , or tickets to an onward destination
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
• Travel insurance that covers medical care in the Schengen Area
• A recent, passport-sized, photograph

Visa applications should be started several weeks before the intended travel date.

ETIAS for Americans - Related News

ETIAS Europe: the EU’s version of the US ESTA

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is being implemented by the European Union to improve safety and security within the Schengen Area. ETIAS is a visa waiver programme with…

ETIAS for Americans - FAQ

Which countries do american travellers need etias to visit.

With ETIAS, Americans can visit countries where Schengen visa policy applies . The most popular ETIAS destinations for US passport holders include France, Spain, and Italy.

There are no internal border checks in the Schengen Area—ETIAS is valid across the travel zone.

Do American children need ETIAS for Europe?

Yes , US passport holders of all ages need ETIAS for Europe, this includes children under the age of 18.

Parents or legal guardians can complete the ETIAS application on behalf of their children .

Do US citizens need ETIAS to transit through an airport in the Schengen Area?

You only need ETIAS if you will leave the international transit area of the airport. If you will stay in this area, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

You must hold a valid travel authorisation to enter any of the countries requiring ETIAS, even if it is just for a short time between flights.

CAN AMERICANS USE AN ETIAS TO WORK IN EUROPE?

ETIAS is not a visa and is not valid to work in Europe.

US passport holders need to apply for a work permit or work visa for the European country they will work in. ETIAS is valid for short business trips, for example, to attend meetings, conferences, and other similar events.

CAN AMERICANS STUDY IN EUROPE WITH AN ETIAS?

Americans can study in Europe for up to 90 days with ETIAS. The visa waiver covers short language courses in European countries, for example.

A student visa is required for all study programmes lasting longer than 90 days.

IS ETIAS FOR US CITIZENS A VISA?

No , ETIAS is not a visa for Europe. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, or visa waiver, similar to the ESTA for the United States. US tourists and business travellers do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area short-term , provided they meet the requirements to travel visa-free. Americans will be able to register for ETIAS from 2025

How do Americans pay the ETIAS fee?

You’ll pay the ETIAS fee online at the end of the online application . All major payment methods are accepted.

The ETIAS system does not keep payment information after the transaction has been completed.

Do American tourists need confirmed travel plans to apply for ETIAS?

Your travel plans do not need to be 100% certain to apply for ETIAS. You do need to indicate which European country you’ll enter first when applying however, once you have your approved ETIAS, you can enter via any of the ETIAS countries.

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European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

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• Entry, residence & working

ETIAS is the new European travel authorisation system similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area must apply online for ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to the Schengen area. Authorisation costs EUR 7 and is valid for three years.

On 9 October 2018, the EU adopted the Regulation establishing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS Regulation). This is a further step in the development of the Schengen acquis and must be adopted by Switzerland.

ETIAS conducts a largely automated risk screening of travellers to ensure greater internal security, prevent illegal immigration and protect public health. Prior risk assessments close existing information and security gaps, thereby increasing the effectiveness of border control. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new condition for visa-free third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. Travellers are not automatically granted authorisation; without it, they will be refused entry into the Schengen area. Carriers will be required to check that their passengers have valid ETIAS travel authorisation at the start of their journey.

ETIAS is designed to enhance internal security while allowing visa-exempt third-country nationals to travel freely.

Present situation at EU level

The IT agency of the European Union eu-LISA is responsible for the technical development and operation of the ETIAS central system (ETIAS CS). Currently, the ETIAS go-live is expected in May 2025 at the earliest.

The ETIAS Central Unit will be set up as part of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, and will carry out the manual preliminary examination of applications and determine which member state is responsible for taking the application further. Only those cases in which travel authorisation cannot be issued in the automated process will be checked manually.

Present situation in Switzerland

On 25 September 2020, the Federal Assembly approved the adoption and implementation of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 on the Establishment of a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No referendum was called by the deadline of 14 January 2021.

In the meantime, the EU has amended Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 with Regulations (EU) 2021/1150 and (EU) 2021/1152, which were adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 7 July 2021. The Federal Council approved the adoption of the regulations on 11 August 2021, subject to parliamentary approval. On May 18, 2022, the Federal Council approved the message on the takeover and implementation of the ordinances amending ETIAS. The Parliament adopted the project in December 2022.

Various federal and cantonal bodies in Switzerland are responsible for implementing the ETIAS Regulation. National systems need to be connected at a technical level to the EU's ETIAS central system (ETIAS CS). In addition, a national ETIAS unit (NEU) is to be set up within SEM; the unit's main task will be to manually examine applications in Switzerland's area of responsibility. Finally, it will be necessary to create a central access point for the security and law enforcement authorities (ZZS).

The aim of SEM's ETIAS project is to implement the ETIAS Regulation in SEM's area of responsibility, which is defined by provisions in Swiss law relating to the ETIAS Regulation. Under the project, SEM will develop both the structural and procedural organisation of the NEU, a specialist application for the unit and the technical means to connect the national border control, migration and law enforcement authorities' systems to the ETIAS CS.

The ETIAS project does not include making the necessary adjustments to the national systems to obtain access to the ETIAS CS nor any adjustments to the associated organisational processes; this is the responsibility of the respective competent authority. Nor does the project include the establishment of the ZZS, which will be based at fedpol.

Switzerland is implementing the new legislation in line with the EU schedule. SEM actively participates in the working and expert groups of the European Commission, the IT agency eu-LISA and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex.

EU legislation

• Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 September 2018 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

National legislative projects

(These documents are not available in English)

Establishment of a European Travel Information and Authorisation System ETIAS:

• Einrichtung eines Europäischen Reiseinformations- und -genehmigungssystems (ETIAS)
• Création d’un système européen d’information et d’autorisation concernant les voyages (ETIAS)

Creation of access rights to other EU information systems for the purposes of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ETIAS:

• Schaffung der Zugriffsrechte auf andere EU-Informationssysteme für die Zwecke des Europäischen Reiseinformations- und -genehmigungssystems (ETIAS)
• Création des droits d'accès aux autres systèmes d'information de l'UE aux fins du système européen d'information et d'autorisation concernant les voyages (ETIAS)
• Creazione dei diritti di accesso agli altri sistemi di informazione dell'UE ai fini del sistema europeo di informazione e autorizzazione ai viaggi (ETIAS)

Further information

• EU Commission

Last modification 22.08.2023

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ETIAS – The European Travel Authorisation and Information System

Around 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries around the world benefit from visa-free travel to the European Union. Starting at the end of 2022, these visa-exempt travellers will be required to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before they start their trip.

The EU will not be the first to introduce such a system: for many years now, visa-exempt travellers have had to apply for a travel authorisation to enter the US, Canada or Australia.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System – ETIAS – is being developed to maintain a high level of internal security of the European Union, while ensuring smooth border crossings for travellers.

Currently, border authorities in Europe assess whether visa-exempted travellers pose a security, public health, or migratory risk when they have already arrived at the border. ETIAS will allow for that assessment to be done before the travellers start their trip.

“ETIAS is an important part of the digitalisation process of our border management, helping to ensure the resumption of international mobility in the post-COVID world with higher security and safety standards,” said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.   

The authorisation procedure in practice

Just like in case of Canada, US and Australia, travellers will apply for the European travel authorisation online, either using the ETIAS website or mobile application. They will also have to pay a fee of EUR 7.

In most cases, the online application will only take a few minutes to complete. The system will automatically compare the personal data submitted by the applicants with the data already stored in various EU information systems. In case of a ‘hit’, the application will be manually processed by the ETIAS Central Unit, managed by Frontex, and forwarded to the ETIAS National Units in Member States for final assessment.

It is expected that some 97% will be accepted in the automated procedure within 96 hours. The remaining 3% will be decided on by the ETIAS National Units.   

An ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years for the entire territory of the Schengen area, or until the validity of the travel document the applicant used expires - whichever comes first.

Setting up ETIAS is far from a simple task. The challenges are massive as the system will have to be very secure not only because it will have to process personal data of the millions of applicants, but it will also need to be connected to a variety of databases such as SIS, VIS, EES, Eurodac and ECRIS-TCN. Currently many of these systems do not ‘talk’ to each other, so making them interoperable is essential.

Considering the scale and complexity of this project, it is not surprising that 34 institutional actors are closely cooperating to make it happen. These include the European Commission, Frontex which is setting up its Central Unit, eu-LISA which is developing the IT systems, Europol which will provide its own data for the security screening of the application, and the authorities of each of the 30 European countries currently in the process of setting up their ETIAS national Units.

Latest developments

While most of the preparations happen behind the scenes, this month has already seen their first, tangible results.

Last week 41 new staff members joined Frontex to work at the ETIAS Central Unit. They include 28 ETIAS applications handlers, two team leaders, and 11 traveller & carrier support operators, who are currently testing the system developed by eu-LISA.

Once ETIAS becomes operational, they will process and screen applications from visa-exempt travellers who apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation and perform helpdesk assistance functions to support ETIAS applicants and carriers. It is expected that the number of ETIAS Central Unit staff will grow to over 200 in the coming years. Check here if you want to know more about the role of Frontex in ETIAS.

Getting carries onboard has also progressed this month: from now on, air and sea carriers as well as international carriers transporting groups over land by coach are able to register both for the Entry/Exit System (EES) and for ETIAS on the   eu-LISA website . The registration enables carriers to perform a query in the EU IT systems before transporting passengers to the Schengen Area, as is their obligation under EU law. For more information about carriers registration, visit the  eu-LISA website .

Carriers Registration - what you need to know

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Presenting 'life kit': making the most of travel and your time off.

Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

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Schengenvisa.info

Etias – the european travel information and authorization system.

ETIAS travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers

On 5 September 2018, the European Council adopted a regulation establishing a European travel information and authorization system (ETIAS). This system should prevent that visa-exempt travelers that pose a threat to public order, national security or the international relations of the Netherlands or one of the Schengen countries can travel to the EU.

When a person from outside the EU to a Schengen country If you want to travel there are two options:

• The travelers are  visa required  and must first apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate (Short Stay Visa type C, also known as a Schengen visa).
• The traveler is  visa-free  but must be able to present the correct travel documents at border control.

ETIAS: Control who enters the EU

Detailed information about potential visitors, including biometric data, is collected during the Schengen visa application process. There is no such information on visa-exempt third-country nationals.

Currently, there are 63 countries and territories whose nationals do not require a visa to travel to the EU. According to the European Council, this is undesirable in view of the increased risk of terrorism and crime. That is why the EU has decided to set up a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

This system allows the EU to collect specific information on visa-exempt travelers before they arrive at the external borders of the Schengen area. Visa-free travelers must then request prior permission (travel authorisation) to enter the EU.

Anyone who poses a risk to, for example, safety or public health will not be granted travel permission. Even with a valid travel authorization, the traveler does not automatically have the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area. Ultimately, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, which is responsible for border control, takes a decision on this.

The European Travel Information and Authorization system (ETIAS) can be compared to similar systems in the US (ESTA), Canada, Australia and other countries. The travel authorization for the EU must be applied for online, applicants over the age of 18 will pay a fee of €7.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become operational in mid-2024. ETIAS will then apply to 63 nationalities who can now travel visa-free to Schengen/EU. It is not yet known whether holders of an ETIAS are also required to have one medical insurance have to close for their trip to Europe.

Read more about ETIAS

Below you can read more articles about ETIAS:

• What is ETIAS?

EU: COVID-19 has no impact on ETIAS launch date

The benefits of ETIAS, the new visa exemption for Europe

Frequently asked questions and answers about ETIAS (FAQ)

Read below frequently asked questions and answers about the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be introduced in mid-2024.

ETIAS is the European travel information and authorization system. From the introduction of ETIAS, nationals of 63 third countries who want to travel to the EU and who do not require a visa must first apply for a travel authorization in order to travel to the Schengen area.

ETIAS aims at the security checks of non-EU citizens who enter the country without a visa  Schengen area  better control of travel, which contributes to: – a high level of security; – the prevention of illegal immigration; – protecting public health; – more effective border controls; – the objectives of the Schengen Information System; – the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offenses or other serious criminal offences. ETIAS will also apply to the Netherlands.

ETIAS is an automated IT system for identifying security or illegal migration risks posed by visa-exempt travelers traveling to the Schengen area, while respecting fundamental rights and data protection. It is developed by  eu-LISA  and should be operational in 2024. Non-EU citizens who do not require a visa to travel to the Schengen area must apply for a travel authorization (ETIAS) prior to travel. After completing an online application form, the system carries out checks against EU information systems for borders and security.

Yes, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a security measure that allows the United States government to deny unwanted travelers before boarding an aircraft or ship bound for America. The ESTA is therefore very similar to electronic travel authorization programs of other governments, such as the eTA for Canada, the eVisitor visa for Australia and ETA for Sri Lanka. Worldwide, more and more governments are adopting a system similar to ESTA as a replacement for visa stickers and/or visa-free travel. ETIAS is similar to ESTA.

No, an ETIAS authorization is not a Schengen visa or any other type of visa. Nationals of countries subject to visa liberalization will still be able to travel to the EU without a visa. They must first apply for a travel authorization via ETIAS before they travel. ETIAS will be a simple, fast and user-friendly system: in more than 95% of cases, a positive answer will be received within a few minutes. The ETIAS travel authorization remains valid for three years, much longer than a Schengen visa. An ETIAS travel authorization is valid for an unlimited number of entries. ETIAS does not affect the visa exemption that already applies to many countries. ETIAS makes it easier to cross the Schengen external border and offers people who are allowed to travel visa-free the opportunity to take maximum advantage of the visa exemption.

The system applies to third-country nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement. Travelers must complete an application online on a dedicated website or mobile app. The applicant only needs a travel document (passport or equivalent) to complete the form. Completing the application will take no more than 10 minutes. Every applicant between the ages of 18 and 70 must pay an electronic fee of 7 euros. The automated review will begin once payment of the fee has been confirmed. The vast majority of applicants (expected to be over 95% of all cases) will automatically receive a positive response within minutes of their payment.

The travel authorization is valid for three years (or until the expiry date of the travel document). The traveler therefore only needs to apply for a travel permit once every three years. The issued permit has no restrictions on the number of trips. However, the normal regulation of a maximum stay of 90 days in the EU of the third-country national applies.

If the travel authorization is refused, the applicant can (still) lodge an appeal. He can appeal in the Member State that took the decision on the application. The national legislation of that Member State applies. The applicant will be informed of which national authority was competent to process the application and decide on it, as well as information on the procedure to follow if they wish to lodge an appeal. If the traveler believes that he has been treated unfairly, he can also seek redress or request access to the information through the national authority.

Yes, travel authorizations remain valid for three years, but can be revoked or voided if the conditions for issuing the travel authorization are no longer valid.

The ETIAS legislation will apply to Member States that are part of the Schengen area, but also to Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis (such as Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania).

ETIAS is expected to be operational in May 2024.

Related articles:

• Visa-free travel to the Netherlands is about to change
• Which nationalities must apply for an ETIAS travel authorization?
• Visa-free travel
• What is the ETIAS Travel Information and Authorization System?
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The sole purpose of this website is to provide practical information about a Schengen visa. We are not affiliated with the EU, the Dutch government or the IND. No rights can be derived from the texts on this website. Always check with the official authorities for the most recent information and regulations.

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ETIAS Europe: Visa Waiver for EU Visitors

All of the information and requirements about European Travel Information and Authorization System. A comprehensive guide to what the ETIAS is, how it works and who requires ETIAS.

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What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) has been created by the European Union as a process to help protect European borders. It is a visa waiver program that comes into effect by the end of 2022. From this date, visitors traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries that currently don’t require a visa, will be required to apply for an ETIAS . The ETIAS provides travel authorization for business and tourism purposes only and is not for working or studying in an ETIAS country.

When Does ETIAS Launch?

The launch of ETIAS is currently scheduled for the end of 2022 but will probably not be mandatory until 2023. The launch was originally scheduled for 2021 but European authorities have pushed the date back to allow more preparation for setting the system up.

Countries That Require ETIAS For Europe

There are currently 60 countries listed as requiring an ETIAS if they wish to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone . This is the initial agreed set of members for the visa waiver program, although other countries are likely to be added to the list in the future. Citizens of countries that are currently able to visit areas of Europe without a visa will require an ETIAS.

Country of Origin and ETIAS Countries

Any traveler whose country of origin is listed below will require an ETIAS to enter a country listed under the ETIAS countries further below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

ETIAS Countries

These are the 26 countries that are currently listed as ETIAS countries, comprising of the Schengen Zone:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

When Does EU ETIAS Become Obligatory?

The date has been moved back since it was originally announced it would come into effect in 2021. It is now expected to become obligatory at the end of 2022 or early in 2023, in the latest update from the European Commission . We will update our information as soon as there is definite confirmation of dates and any other information release that is related to the new ETIAS system.

All of the latest news and updates regarding ETIAS.

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