When planning your upcoming trip to Europe or the UK, you may hear the letters “ETIAS” and “ETA” more often. The ETIAS program is a new European visa-waiver travel authorisation system which will be implemented in 2026. Similarly, the ETA program is a UK visa-waver travel authorisation system which began implementation in 2023.
To help travellers be as prepared as possible for European and UK travel, Expat Explore has put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about ETIAS and ETA. Read on to find out more!
ETIAS – What is it?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Put simply, ETIAS is a visitor-friendly, visa exemption program for Europe. It is similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The European Union (EU) Schengen Zone member states will use the system for travellers visiting their countries for tourism and business reasons, for stays up to 90 days within a 180 day period (the same as the current visa-exemption regulations). The system aims to keep track of visitors arriving and travelling through the EU Schengen Zone using governmental information and data gathering systems.
Is it a visa?
No, it’s important to note that the ETIAS is not a visa application. If your country is part of the ETIAS program, you will still be travelling visa-free in the EU Schengen Zone. You’ll simply need to obtain travel authorisation before travelling to Europe.
Why is ETIAS being implemented?
The main reason for ETIAS being implemented is security. ETIAS applications will help make travel through Europe safer for locals and visitors alike. It will also improve management of European borders and assist with detecting and decreasing criminal and terrorist activities. It will also save travellers time and effort as it is a quick, easy-to-complete application process (more on that below).
Who needs to apply?
Any nationalities who are already visa-exempt need to apply. Therefore, passport holders from countries which are not in the EU but can enter the EU Schengen Zone visa-free will need to apply for ETIAS.
There are 60+ countries on the list currently. See the full list here.
What countries will be implementing ETIAS?
These countries will require a valid ETIAS upon arrival: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Itay, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is the ETIAS application process?
ETIAS applications are straight-forward and will be take place online. Visit the official website and complete the application. The whole process should take around 10 minutes and there will be a small application fee. Applicants will be prompted to fill out a few fields of information. A travel document (usually, your passport) will be required for reference and a few background questions will need to be answered. You will also need to confirm the first EU country you intend to visit.
Applications will be processed automatically and should be approved within a few minutes. If any information in the application is flagged, the application will then be manually processed. This will take between 96 hours and two weeks maximum. If an application is denied, a reason for refusal will be provided as well as information on the national authority which has processed the application and made the decision. Reasons for refusal include applicants posing a security risk and if the person applying has used a travel document that is reported stolen or lost amongst other reasons.
Travel carriers will check for a valid ETIAS when you check in for air or sea travel and cross land borders. In other words, when you arrive at the border of EU member states.
How long is it valid for?
The ETIAS is valid either for up to three years or until your travel document expires; whichever date takes place first. You may enter Schengen Zone member states as many times as you would like, for as long as your ETIAS is valid. This is on the condition that you do not stay for more than 90 days in a 180 day period.
What about ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is very similar to ETIAS and applies to all visa-exempt travellers travelling to the UK. For a small fee, the ETA is valid for multiple entries over a period of two years or until your passport expires. Each visit under an ETA allows stays of up to six months for purposes such as tourism or business.
For more information on who should apply and FAQs, visit the official ETA website.
Take note of whether you need to apply for travel authorisation prior to travelling to Europe or the UK. If you have any additional questions or queries about visa requirements in general, be sure to read through our useful visa blog or chat to a member of our helpful Customer Service team.
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