This article was updated March 16, 2025
Europe’s ETIAS Travel Restrictions were postponed until late 2026.
When the regulation goes into effect, travelers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and 55 other countries that currently don’t need visas to visit France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and 26 different European countries will be required to get European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval. Some exemptions exist, so please check the sections on who should apply and exemptions. Even some visa-required travelers may also apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.
Why Is ETIAS Necessary?
ETIAS is being rolled out by the European Commission to improve the security of the Schengen area, primarily requiring visa-free travelers to obtain travel authorization and undergo various security checks before their arrival to the EU. The applications are not available yet.
The ETIAS authorization can only be used for transit, tourism, and business travel. ETIAS will be checked by the traveler’s air carrier, sea carrier, or international carrier transporting groups overland by coach. If an ETIAS is not approved, the traveler cannot board the airplane, boat, or coach.
The EC recommends getting ETIAS travel authorization before buying your tickets and booking hotels. The official site says that most applications will be processed within minutes and, at the latest, within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to 30 days.
How Long is ETIAS Valid?
ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can leave and return as many times as you wish as long as you respect the overall limit of your authorized stay. It does not give you the right to study long-term or to work in these countries.
For a list of Q&As, read Frequently Asked Questions about ETIAS on the official website of the European Union.
Does It Apply To Me?
You can determine if you will need a Schengen visa or ETIAS by filling in your information where the form says Will ETIAS affect your travel plans? European countries requiring ETIAS also require recognized travel documents such as passports. Download this Excel spreadsheet to see the required documents by country. FAQs are here.
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