Why ETIAS?

The EU Commission has proposed the ETIAS system due to the increased number of visitors to Europe and the reasons for their travel, in the hope that the system will deter potential criminals and terrorists and therefore provide a higher level of security for the residents of Europe.

The four main reasons for the introduction of ETIAS:

  • Visitor numbers have risen significantly over the last few years. Last year, around 50 million individual visitors and around 200 million entries were registered.
  • The number of refugees and asylum-seekers has risen sharply in the last few years for a number of reasons (persecution, war, economic grounds, etc.).
  • Terrorist incidents have increased in frequency and are disconcerting European citizens. Countries which have recently been affected include France, Belgium, Germany and Spain.
  • Advances in electronic communication technology and the use of the internet by travellers worldwide enable a practical means of issuing travel permits by transmission of the relevant data to the European border agencies.

How does ETIAS work?

ETIAS must be applied for online prior to arrival in the EU. Every entitled traveller will need an ETIAS Visa Waiver.

What information is required?

The following information is required for an ETIAS application:

  • personal biometric data (name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
  • passport or travel document information
  • EU member state of entry
  • background questions regarding the health of the applicant
  • criminal record
  • EU immigration history

Frequently asked questions

EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORISATION SYSTEM | FAQs

To apply for an ETIAS, all ETIAS requirements must be met before applying. For example, the traveler must be a citizen of one of the ETIAS approved countries with a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival.

Furthermore, a debit or credit card is required for the payment of the ETIAS application fee and the provision of a current e-mail address to which the approved Etias visa can be sent.

What is ETIAS all about?

Just like ESTA, ETA and other electronic visas, the EU is now also rolling out an electronic travel authorisation for travellers that are not part of the EU but are eligible for visa-free travel to EU and Schengen countries.

ETIAS means EU Travel Information and Authorisation System. It was designed to increase the security of visa-free travellers visiting the EU for different purposes as for example: tourism, business, transit or medical reasons.

The ETIAS will be mandatory for travelling to the EU and Schengen area and it can be purchased online, the application process is very quick and easy and has to be completed prior to your arrival in the EU.

Who will need to apply for an ETIAS?

The ETIAS system is only for nationals of countries that are allowed to travel to the EU or Schengen are without having to apply for a visa at an Embassy. There are 54 countries whose citizens may travel to the EU visa-free, including the USA, Australia and Canada.

These travellers will have to get an ETIAS in future. Whether British citizens will also have to get an ETIAS prior to their travel into EU countries has not been decided yet.

ETIAS is not meant to be for nationals of countries that have to get a Schengen Visa before their travel. You can find a list of the eligible nationalities here.

How do I apply for ETIAS?

The application process is completely online. You have to fill in the ETIAS application form with the following data:

  • Personal biometric data (last name, first name(s), gender, place and date of birth, etc.)
  • Passport details
  • Background and eligibility questions on your health and criminal record
  • Questions about previous EU entries
  • State of entry

After having completed the form, you will get a confirmation email. Your details will be checked manually by our competent support staff and will be delivered to the EU authorities. Once the application has been approved, you will receive your ETIAS by email. If the application is rejected you will also get an email with further information.

How long does it take to apply for ETIAS?

Applying for ETIAS is very easy and a quick process. You only need a few minutes for applying, in case that you have all your needed information. First, we will check your details manually in order to prevent any mistakes, then it will be sent to the EU authorities. The automatic ETIAS screening of your details is also done very quickly through EURODAC, EUROPOL DATA, VIS, Interpol, SIS, ECRIS and others. If your information matches any of these databases, your details will be checked manually by the ETIAS authorities. Usually an answer is given within minutes, whether your application has been approved or not. Still it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before you travel.

How much will ETIAS cost?

As most electronic travel authorizations ETIAS also will not be free. The fee for ETIAS is €5. This is except travellers under the age of 18, they do not have to pay the ETIAS fee.

How long is the ETIAS valid for?

Once your ETIAS application has been approved, the authorization is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes sooner. In case that you get a new passport or any information on your ETIAS changes, such as gender, last name or any of the eligibility questions, you have to reapply for ETIAS.

During its validity, the approved authorization can be used for multiple entry. It is recommended to check the status of your current ETIAS each time before your travel. Whenever you travel to any EU or Schengen country, you can stay up to 90 days.

Do EU citizens need on ETIAS to visit other EU countries?

No, EU Citizens do not need an ETIAS. They can still travel to other EU countries without any travel authorization or visa. The ETIAS was only introduced for travellers from countries that are allowed visa-free access to EU and Schengen countries.

Please find here the list of countries that are eligible for ETIAS. All other Non-EU countries still have to get a visa prior to their arrival in the EU.

For UK citizens: Up to now, UK citizens do not require an ETIAS. Still British extra-nationals that hold the following citizenships do require ETIAS:

  • British nationals (Overseas),
  • British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTC),
  • British overseas citizens (BOC),
  • British protected persons (BPP),
  • British subjects (BS)
Do I also need an ETIAS if I have a Schengen Visa?

No, if you have a valid Schengen Visa you do not need ETIAS. The ETIAS is only required for Non-EU travellers that are allowed visa-free entrance within the EU or Schengen area. However, if you do not hold a citizenship of any of the participating countries for visa-free travel to the EU, you still have to get a Schengen Visa.