What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is the  European Travel Information and Authorisation System . The ETIAS is a travel authorisation for citizens of non-EU countries – that do not require a traditional visa – to enter the EU. The system is entirely electronic, keeping track of travellers passing through these borders. Since it is linked to your passport if you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. . It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
It is similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that is required for travel to the United States.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of Schengen Zone countries (currently 30 countries) as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
When Will the ETIAS Be Introduced?
At present it is expected that the ETIAS will be introduced in May 2025, and be  fully operational by November 2025 although this date has been pushed  back from November 2023, so there might be further delays to this date.
Who Should Apply for an ETIAS?
If you are set to travel to the EU in 2025 or beyond, you should fill out an application for the ETIAS. Before you do, make sure you meet all the following points:Â
- you are not an EU national
- you are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for a short-term stay in the countries requiring ETIAS
- you do not have a residence permit issued by any of the countries requiring ETIAS
The requirements for an ETIAS are the same no matter which one of the 60 or more nations you come from.
To apply, you must have:
- Â a valid passport, extending 3 months after your expected return
- Plan to stay in Europe for short-term visits, not more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Intend to travel for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
It’s important to note that ETIAS is required only for travel to countries in the Schengen Zone. This does not include the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland
Will I need an ETIAS if I need a Schengen visa
No, these are two separate documents. The ETIAS is only for citizens from visa exempt countries
How Do I Apply for the ETIAS?
Once you have checked you meet all the criteria listed above, applying for an ETIAS is a straightforward and simple process. In fact, the majority of completed applications are processed within minutes. You should apply for the ETIAS well in advance of your journey to avoid delays and disappointment.
Simply fill out the application form and pay the required fee (€7). If you are aged under 18 or more than 70 years of age, you are not required to pay the fee. You are also exempt if you are related to an EU citizen who has the right to freely move throughout the EU.Â
Once you have completed the form, you will be emailed a confirmation of your application and your ETIAS application number. Later, once your application has been processed, you will receive a separate email noting the outcome of the application.
Travel Information
In addition to personal information, the ETIAS form asks about your travel plans. You’ll need to indicate the first Schengen country you plan to enter.
For example, if your first stop is Croatia, you’d list it as the primary destination. This doesn’t mean you’re restricted to Croatia; once inside the Schengen Area, you can freely move between member countries.
How Long Will My ETIAS Remain Valid?
Your ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the travel document you included in your application has expired - whichever document reaches the expiry date first.
How Long Can I Remain in These European Countries on My ETIAS?
As the ETIAS are valid for short-term stays, you should be well covered if you are just visiting for a holiday. Within any 180-day period, you can stay for up to 90 days in the countries requiring an ETIAS.
Are There Any Other Requirements?
Travellers must fulfil all remaining travel conditions,  basically the existing requirements for passport validity:
- Issued no more than 10 years earlier on the day of entry to the European Union.
- Valid for at least three months on the intended day of departure from the EU.
How Will I Apply?
Travellers will be required to submit personal information including name, address, contact details in Europe and passport data. They must also state an occupation (with job title and employer). Students must give the name of their educational establishment.
The applicant must give details of any serious convictions in the past 20 years.
Travellers must also provide the reason for their journey (holiday, business, visiting family, etc), specify the Schengen Area country they will first arrive in, and provide the address of their first night’s stay – which will pose a problem for tourists who like to make plans as they go along.
It is likely that for subsequent journeys the traveller will not be expected to update the information.
The fee is €7 for all applicants aged 18 to 70. Those under 18 or over 70 will still need to apply for and hold an ETIAS, they need not pay.
What is the Difference Between an ETIAS and a Traditional Visa
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be used for pre-screening individuals who wish to travel to Europe for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. If you plan to study or work in Europe, however, you will need a student or work visa.
Processing Your ETIAS Application
Most applications are processed within minutes.
It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
Travel Documents
To apply, you will need a valid passport to which a visa may be affixed.
Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years.
Information Required for Application
When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information, make sure you have it prepared in advance along with a credit or debit card for payment.
- Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
- Travel document details;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
ETIAS Timeline?
2025 : EU entry-exit system comes into effect, requiring non-EU passport holders to be fingerprinted and provide a facial biometric on entry to the European Union and wider Schengen Area (but not Ireland or Cyprus).
6 months later : ETIAS online permit becomes available, with a transitional period of at least six months during which ETIAS is optional.
6 months later : ETIAS transitional period ends. Grace period begins, giving travellers without an ETIAS a one-time only pass.
6 months later: Â Grace period ends; all British passport holders must have an ETIAS.
Does the Uk Have the Equivalent of ETIAS for Incoming Travellers?
The UK Government is also scheduled to launch a similar system as the ETIAS for non-UK travellers who plan to travel to the UK, which will occur in late 2024. This will be called the Electronic Travel Authorisation.
