ETIAS Application: How to Apply for the New EU Travel Authorisation
From Q4 2026, many non-EU passport holders will need a new ETIAS travel authorisation before entering Europe’s Schengen Area. ETIAS works like the U.S. ESTA and allows short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit. In this guide, we explain the full ETIAS application process, cost, eligibility, exemptions, and what changed from the old system.
Key Takeaways
- ETIAS is not a visa—it's a required travel authorisation for over 60 visa-exempt nationalities.
- It will be mandatory for short-term stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Zone for tourism, transit, or business.
- The ETIAS application will launch officially in late 2026, with a transition period before enforcement.
- Cost is €7 for adults aged 18–70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt.
- You apply entirely online and receive confirmation by email, usually within minutes.
- ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
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1. What Is ETIAS and Who Needs to Apply?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a digital pre-travel authorisation for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to enter the Schengen Area. Starting in Q4 2026, ETIAS will be required before boarding any transport to Europe. It applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of over 60 countries, including:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan
- Brazil
- Singapore
2. ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference?
ETIAS is a travel waiver, not a traditional visa. Here’s how it differs:
- No interview or consulate visit required
- Entirely online with a small application fee
- Valid for multiple short stays over 3 years
- Linked electronically to your passport
This is a major change from before 2026, when eligible travelers could simply enter Europe without advance authorisation.
3. How to Apply for ETIAS
When ETIAS officially launches in 2026, you can apply on the official EU portal: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias↗
The ETIAS application form will ask for:
- Full name, date of birth, and passport details
- Home address and contact email
- First country of intended entry
- Employment and travel details
- Answers to background questions (criminal history, previous EU refusals, etc.)
Steps:
- Fill out the form (takes ~10 minutes)
- Upload a passport scan
- Pay the €7 fee (only if you're 18 to 70 years old)
- Receive confirmation by email (may take up to 96 hours)
4. How to Check Your ETIAS Status and What If It's Denied?
- Most applications are approved instantly.
- Some may take up to 96 hours.
- If flagged for manual review, it can take up to 30 days.
After applying, you’ll receive a reference number to check your status online.
If denied, you can appeal the decision.
5. How Long Is ETIAS Valid For?
- 3 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Allows multiple short-term stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day window)
- Valid across all 27 Schengen countries
If your passport is renewed, you’ll need a new ETIAS linked to the new number.
6. ETIAS Fee and Who Is Exempt from Paying
The standard ETIAS fee is €7, payable by card during the online application.
However, you don’t have to pay if:
- You are under 18 or over 70 years old
- You are a family member of an EU citizen (spouse, dependent child)
- You are a family member of a non-EU national with free movement rights under EU law
In these cases, ETIAS is still required, but no payment is needed.
7. Why Is ETIAS Being Introduced?
ETIAS is designed to strengthen EU border security and pre-screen travelers before they arrive.
It was established under Regulation (EU) 2018/1240↗ and modeled on programs like:
- ESTA (U.S.)
- eTA (Canada)
- eVisitor (Australia)
The system helps prevent illegal migration, detect security risks, and simplify travel procedures for low-risk travelers.
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Gerard B.
An expat who's done it, so you don't have to!
After spending years in Spain and thousands of euros on lawyers, tax advisors, and residency applications, only to realize that doing it yourself is often easier, cheaper, and just as effective. Gerard is an expat on a mission to help others avoid the same costly mistakes. By creating LiveLoveSpain, Gerard aims to share first-hand experiences, practical tips, and plenty of "Why didn't anyone tell me this?!" moments. Whether it's filing taxes, understanding visas, or just mastering the art of the sobremesa, he's here to help fellow expats integrate seamlessly without breaking the bank.