Travellers from the UK and more than 60 other non-EU countries will soon face new entry requirements for visiting destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, known as ETIAS, is a new pre-travel permit that will alter the process for short-stay visits to most of Europe.
- What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?
- The ETIAS start date: when will it be implemented?
- Who needs to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?
- The ETIAS application process: step-by-step guide
- How ETIAS connects to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- ETIAS validity and travel rules
What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?
The ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, distinct from a visa, designed for citizens of countries that do not currently need a visa to enter the EU for short stays. The system's primary goal is to bolster security by conducting checks on these travellers before they begin their journey to the Schengen Area. Once approved, the ETIAS will permit stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
The ETIAS start date: when will it be implemented?
According to the European Council, the system is now set to be launched in the last quarter of 2026. The ETIAS launch is dependent on the prior implementation of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES).
EU authorities have confirmed that ETIAS will only commence several months after the EES is operational. Once launched, ETIAS will feature a six-month transitional period during which holding an authorisation will not be mandatory for entry.
Who needs to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?
The ETIAS requirement will apply to non-EU citizens from more than 60 visa-exempt countries. This includes travellers holding passports from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The authorisation will be necessary for entry into 30 European countries, which encompasses the 27 nations of the Schengen Area as well as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
Will UK citizens need ETIAS after Brexit?
Yes, as a result of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, British passport holders will be required to secure an ETIAS for short-stay trips to the Schengen Area and other participating countries. This requirement applies to visits for purposes such as tourism or business and will come into effect once the system is launched.
ETIAS requirements for travelling to Spain, Italy or Portugal
A single ETIAS authorisation will cover travel to all participating European countries. This means that travellers planning to visit Spain, Italy, Portugal, or any other nation within the zone will not need to apply for separate authorisations for each country. The approved ETIAS is linked to the holder's passport and permits entry across the bloc for the duration of its validity.
The ETIAS application process: step-by-step guide
The entire ETIAS application is designed to be completed online through one official channel. The European Union has issued warnings that travellers should be cautious of unofficial websites that claim to process applications for an additional fee. To avoid potential scams, applicants must use the official EU website once it becomes available.
How to complete the ETIAS online application form
To apply for the travel authorisation, you will need to fill out the official ETIAS application form online. The process requires providing personal information, details from a valid passport, and answers to a series of education and occupation-related questions.
ETIAS application fee and processing times
Applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of €20 via a credit or debit card to submit their application. However, travellers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will be exempt from this fee.
Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, though some could take up to 30 days. In instances where an application requires further review or if additional documentation is needed, the processing time may be extended.
How ETIAS connects to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The ETIAS is part of a broader overhaul of EU border management, which includes the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES is an automated IT system that will register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals each time they cross an external border of the Schengen Area.
While the EES records movements at the border, ETIAS functions as a pre-travel screening system. The two are interconnected and designed to work together to enhance security.
ETIAS validity and travel rules
An approved ETIAS travel authorisation will be valid for three years, or until the passport used for the application expires. Throughout this period, the holder can make multiple entries into the participating European countries for short stays. The authorisation is electronically linked directly to the traveller's passport, and border officials will verify its status by scanning the travel document upon arrival.
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