ETIAS Explained 2026The EU Travel Authorisation - and Why It Is Not a Visa

Pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt passports

Schengen states: 29
EU members: 27
Passports in the ETIAS group: 64
Typical visa-free stay: 90 days

ETIAS Is Not a Visa

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the EU's upcoming travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers - the opposite of a visa, which exists because a passport does not qualify for visa-free entry.

ETIAS is

A short online security pre-screening before travel
Only for passports that already enter the Schengen area without a visa
The same concept as the US ESTA and the Canadian and UK eTA

ETIAS is not

A visa, or a change to your visa-free status
A change to stay limits - the 90/180 rule still applies
An embassy process - there is no appointment

Status: launch date & fee not yet fixed. We update this page the moment either is confirmed on travel-europe.europa.eu.

Who Will Need ETIAS

Visa-exempt, non-EU nationals on short visits to the Schengen area - the travellers who today just board with their passport, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

EU / Schengen citizens and residents: never need ETIAS.
Travellers who need a Schengen visa (most applicants from India, Pakistan or Nigeria): the Schengen visa process applies instead.

Example Passports, Visa-Free to Schengen Today

🇺🇸United States≤ 90 days 🇬🇧United Kingdom≤ 90 days 🇨🇦Canada≤ 90 days 🇦🇺Australia≤ 90 days 🇳🇿New Zealand≤ 90 days 🇯🇵Japan≤ 90 days 🇰🇷South Korea≤ 90 days 🇸🇬Singapore≤ 90 days 🇦🇪United Arab Emirates≤ 90 days 🇧🇷Brazil≤ 90 days 🇲🇽Mexico≤ 90 days 🇦🇷Argentina≤ 90 days 🇨🇱Chile≤ 90 days 🇲🇾Malaysia≤ 90 days 🇮🇱Israel≤ 90 days 🇺🇦Ukraine≤ 90 days

How ETIAS Works

1
Apply online before your trip
A web form: passport details, background and security questions. Most decisions are expected to be quick, but follow-up checks take longer - apply well before booking-critical dates.
2
The authorisation links to your passport electronically
No sticker, no stamp - it is read from your passport number, so a new passport means a new ETIAS.
3
Travel visa-free as before
One ETIAS covers multiple short visits over its validity, and stay limits do not change: 90 days in any 180.
4
Carriers and border guards check it
Airlines are expected to verify it before boarding. It does not guarantee entry - border officers decide.

Where ETIAS Will Apply: The Schengen Countries (29)

Tap a country for its entry requirements. The EU's own list adds Cyprus, an EU member not yet in Schengen; short-stay rules are in the Schengen visa guide.

ETIAS FAQ

Is ETIAS a visa?

No. ETIAS is an online pre-screening for travellers who can already enter the Schengen area without a visa, similar in concept to the US ESTA. It does not change visa-free status.

Do US citizens need ETIAS in 2026?

US passport holders enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. Once ETIAS is mandatory they will complete the online authorisation first - still no visa. The start date is not yet fixed.

When does ETIAS start?

Not yet fixed - see the status note above for the EU's current rollout timeline.

How much does ETIAS cost?

Not yet finalised - see the status note above for where the confirmed fee will be published first.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

The Schengen area - see "Where ETIAS Will Apply" above for the full country list and the Cyprus caveat.

Do I need ETIAS if I already need a Schengen visa?

No - ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travellers. If your passport requires a Schengen visa (most applicants from India, Pakistan, Nigeria or the Philippines), you follow the visa process instead.

Schengen Entry Rules by Passport

Detailed entry rules, stay limits and document notes for popular Schengen trips.

Does your passport enter Schengen visa-free?

Visa-exempt means ETIAS will apply to you; otherwise the Schengen visa process does. Or compare passports on the passport rankings.

Check your visa requirements →