ETIAS Travel Authorisation Guide

About ETIAS travel authorisation

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new digital travel authorisation for travellers who do not need a visa to enter certain European countries. It checks travellers before arrival, identifies possible security or health risks, and makes border crossings smoother for low-risk visitors.

ETIAS is not a visa. It does not replace residence permits, work visas, or long-stay authorisations. Instead, it is a quick pre-travel check linked electronically to your passport.

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is expected to become mandatory soon. Once active, visa-exempt travellers must obtain ETIAS before boarding transport to Europe.

Where do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through the official ETIAS system. You complete a short form, pay a small fee, and receive a digital authorisation.

Who should apply?

Nationals of visa-exempt countries planning short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in participating European countries.

Is ETIAS a visa or residence permit?

No. ETIAS does not grant the right to work, study long-term, or live in Europe.

Can I be refused entry without ETIAS?

Yes. Airlines and border officers may deny boarding or entry if you do not hold a valid ETIAS.

Applying for ETIAS

The ETIAS application is designed to be simple and fast. Most travellers complete it in under 10 minutes.

You will need:

• Personal details
• Passport information
• Contact details
• First country of entry
• Travel intentions
• Security and health questions

Processing time: most applications are approved automatically within minutes. Some may require manual review and take longer.

Approval: once approved, ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport.

Planning where to go? Try our CityCompare tool or the Budget Calculator.

Applying with support (third-party applications)

Travellers may receive assistance from family members, guardians, travel agents, or authorised representatives.

• The assisting person provides their own contact details and confirms they are acting for the traveller.
• The ETIAS authorisation still belongs to the traveller.

You may update:

• Email address
• Contact details
• Travel plans

You cannot update:

• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth

If your passport changes, you must apply for a new ETIAS.

Exempt travellers include:

• EU citizens
• Schengen residents
• Holders of long-stay visas
• Diplomats
• Certain family members of EU citizens

Special rules apply for minors, medical cases, and humanitarian situations.

Fees & payment

ETIAS requires a small online fee. Payment is made by debit card, credit card, or other accepted methods.

Children under a certain age may be exempt from the fee.

Travelling with ETIAS

A valid ETIAS allows you to:

• Enter participating countries
• Stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period
• Travel freely within the Schengen Area

ETIAS does not guarantee entry. Border officers make the final decision.

Refusals, cancellations & appeals

If your ETIAS is refused, you will receive:

• The reason for refusal
• The authority responsible
• Instructions for appeal

Appeals are handled by the country that issued the refusal.

ETIAS may also be cancelled or revoked if new information affects your eligibility.

ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires.

You may renew ETIAS online before it expires.

ETIAS uses secure systems to verify identity, assess risks, and protect personal data.

Data is processed according to EU data protection laws.

Who needs ETIAS

Visa-exempt nationals from: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many Latin American countries.

You do not need ETIAS if you are:

• An EU citizen
• A Schengen resident
• A long-stay visa holder
• Entering for work/study requiring a national visa

UK nationals

UK nationals must obtain ETIAS for short stays once the system becomes mandatory.

Certain transport crew may have special exemptions depending on their role.