Travel regulations for most European countries will soon change. Starting in the last quarter of 2026, approximately 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will require a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS, short for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is the new European travel authorisation system for citizens of 59 countries who are visa-exempt for a short stay (less than 90 days in a 180-day period) in one of the following 30 European countries.
I can figure out whether I am exempt from the ETIAS requirement here.
How long is the ETIAS travel authorisation valid?
An ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to the passport that travellers have specified in the application form. It is valid for up to three years or until the respective travel document expires.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, travellers can travel to the territory of these 30 European countries as often as they wish, provided they do not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. However, an ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee entry. Upon entry, travellers will still be checked to ensure they meet the entry requirements.
How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?
In the future, travellers will have to apply for a fee-based ETIAS travel authorisation via the European Union website or an app before traveling to the Schengen area. To do so, they will need a passport that is valid for at least three months after planned departure, a credit card, and an email address. The travel authorisation will cost €20. Some travellers are exempt from the fee.
Applying for ETIAS via a third party
You can either apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation yourself or appoint a third party - another person or commercial organisation - to do so on your behalf. Third parties must submit the application via the official website or mobile app. To do so, a representation agreement must be signed, authorising the third party to submit the ETIAS application on behalf of the client. It is advisable to keep this representation agreement as proof of the contractual relationship. Please consult the additional information on commissioning third parties.
Be careful when commissioning third parties and only contact trustworthy individuals or organisations, as you will be disclosing sensitive and personal information during the application process.
How long will it take to process my application?
Most applications for ETIAS travel authorisation are processed automatically and within a few minutes.
In some cases, it may take longer to review the application. In this case, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period may be extended to up to 14 days if the competent authority asks you to provide additional information or documents. For this reason, it is advisable to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive a confirmation email and information about your personal application number. Keep this number for future reference.
Once your ETIAS travel authorisation has been processed, you will receive another notification with information about the result. Make sure that the information in the travel authorisation is correct. If the information is incorrect, you may be refused entry at the border. Information on what you can do if you have made a mistake in your application can be found here.
If your application is rejected, you will receive notification of the reasons for the rejection. You will also find further information on how to appeal against this decision and which appeal body to contact.
What do I need to bear in mind when entering the country?
Since your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your passport, make sure you carry the same travel document that you specified in your application. Otherwise, you will be denied boarding or entry into one of the European countries.
You do not need to carry a paper copy of your travel authorisation, as transport companies and border control authorities can access it in the system by checking your travel document.
A valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee automatic entry. Upon arrival at the border, the border control authorities will check whether you meet the entry requirements. Travellers who do not meet the travel requirements will be denied entry.
Further information on ETIAS can be found on the official ETIAS website of the European Union. Answers to frequently asked questions from travellers, relatives of travellers, travel companies, and others can be found in the FAQs.
Beware of fake websites
There are numerous websites on the internet that appear official but provide false information about ETIAS and collect personal data. The only secure website with reliable information about ETIAS is that of the EU:
europa.eu/etias
Information for carriers
Once ETIAS comes into force, air and sea carriers will be required to check whether travellers have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation within 48 hours prior to departure. International bus companies will have three years from the date of entry into force to comply with these requirements. Rail companies are exempt from the ETIAS control obligation, with the exception of Eurostar train connections from the United Kingdom. In any case, the existence of an ETIAS travel authorisation will be checked at the Schengen external border by the border control authorities.
Further information for carriers is available on the eu-LISA website, including important FAQs.
Links
Official ETIAS website of the European Union
Information for carriers
Legal foundations of the EU
Last modification 04.04.2026
