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Schengen area · Travel authorisation, not running yet

ETIAS: the official website, the fee and who will need it

By the Visa Almanac editorial teamChange logUpdated 6 Nov 2026

In brief

ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before the launch.1 Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.2 The ETIAS fee on the official website is EUR 20. Applicants under 18 or over 70 pay nothing, and so do family members of EU nationals who qualify for family-member status.3

When it opens, apply only on the official site: travel-europe.europa.eu. Other websites are not the government's.

Checked 6 Nov 2026Source: European Commission, ETIASReport a change

Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.

ContentsIn brief
  1. In brief
  2. At a glance
  3. Not running yet
  4. Who will need it
  5. Who won't need it
  6. Official website
  7. Fee
  8. Fee history
  9. Validity and stay
  10. How to apply
  11. Warnings about other sites
  12. Processing time
  13. Visa instead
  14. More
  15. ETIAS for US citizens
  16. ETIAS for UK citizens
  17. ETIAS for Canadians
  18. ETIAS for Indian citizens
  19. FAQ
  20. Sources
  21. About this page

ETIAS at a glance

StatusETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before the launch.1
Who will need itNationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.2
FeeThe ETIAS fee on the official website is EUR 20. Applicants under 18 or over 70 pay nothing, and so do family members of EU nationals who qualify for family-member status.3
Valid forAn ETIAS is linked to the passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new ETIAS.4
Official websitetravel-europe.europa.eu5europa.eu6
DecisionMost applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours; if more information, documents or an interview are requested, it may take up to 30 more days.3

ETIAS is not running yet

  • ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before the launch.

    ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The European Commission says the same: ETIAS is not in operation, no applications are collected, and the start date will be announced several months before the launch.

    The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs · checked

  • When ETIAS starts, there will first be a transitional period of at least six months (travellers should apply, but those without ETIAS are not refused entry if they meet all other conditions), then a grace period of at least six months (ETIAS required, except for travellers coming for the first time since the transitional period ended).

    The launch of ETIAS will be followed by a transitional period of at least six months. This means that, for travel during this time, travellers should already apply for their ETIAS travel authorisation, but those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all remaining entry conditions. ... During this period travellers must have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter the 30 European countries. There is an exception: only those coming to Europe for the first time since the end of the transitional period will be allowed to enter without an ETIAS provided they fulfil all remaining entry conditions. ... The grace period will last at least six months.European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Who will need ETIAS

  • Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.

    Nationals of any of these visa-exempt countries and territories need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation:European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

    Show the list: 59 countries and territories
    • Albania
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Brazil
    • Brunei
    • Canada
    • Chile
    • Colombia
    • Costa Rica
    • Dominica
    • El Salvador
    • Georgia
    • Grenada
    • Guatemala
    • Honduras
    • Hong Kong
    • Israel
    • Japan
    • Kiribati
    • Kosovo
    • Macao
    • Malaysia
    • Marshall Islands
    • Mauritius
    • Mexico
    • Micronesia
    • Moldova
    • Montenegro
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • North Macedonia
    • Palau
    • Panama
    • Paraguay
    • Peru
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Samoa
    • Serbia
    • Seychelles
    • Singapore
    • Solomon Islands
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Timor-Leste
    • Tonga
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Tuvalu
    • Ukraine
    • United Arab Emirates
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • Uruguay
    • Venezuela

  • ETIAS will be required by 30 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

    These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation:European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • UK nationals will need ETIAS for short stays (90 days in any 180-day period); longer stays need a visa or residence permit under national or EU rules.

    UK nationals are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation if they travel to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay (90 days in any 180-day period). UK nationals who wish to stay longer must meet the entry requirements in accordance with national or EU migration law, such as holding a visa or residence permit.European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Who won't need ETIAS

  • No ETIAS is needed by: nationals of the 30 ETIAS countries or Ireland; nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Vatican passport holders; holders of a residence card from an ETIAS country or Ireland, or of a residence permit from an ETIAS country other than Cyprus; holders of a uniform (Schengen) visa or a national long-stay visa; holders of diplomatic, service or special passports.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Official website

How much ETIAS will cost

ETIAS fee history

Each amount with the act or notice that set it, newest first.

  1. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411 of 16 July 2025 (Official Journal of 29 October 2025) replaced the fee in Article 18(1) of the ETIAS Regulation with EUR 20 per application; it entered into force on the twentieth day after its publication. Set by: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411 of 16 July 2025 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the amount of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation fee. European Commission, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411 · checked
  2. Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of 12 September 2018 set the ETIAS fee at EUR 7 per application; the Regulation entered into force 20 days after its publication but applies from the date the Commission sets for the start of ETIAS. Set by: Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 September 2018 establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), Article 18(1). European Parliament and Council of the EU, Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 · checked

How long ETIAS will last and what it allows

How to apply once ETIAS opens

When it opens, apply only on the official site: travel-europe.europa.eu. Other websites are not the government's.

  • Nothing can be submitted yet. Once ETIAS starts, applications go through the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The official ETIAS website is travel-europe.europa.eu/etias; all official EU websites use the europa.eu domain.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • To apply you will need your travel document, a payment card and your personal details.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The passport should be valid for more than three months after the planned departure from the ETIAS countries and not be older than 10 years (not required for qualifying family members of EU nationals).

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • Special passport rules: nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia need a biometric passport (Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine: biometric, ICAO-standard) to use ETIAS; Hong Kong and Macao need the SAR passport; Taiwan passports must include an identity card number. Other passports of these places need a visa.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Official warnings about other sites

Only what governments, regulators and courts have published, quoted word for word. We don't label any website ourselves.

  • The EU says there are many unofficial ETIAS websites, some of which falsely claim to accept ETIAS applications or may charge higher fees, and advises using only the official website europa.eu/etias or the mobile app.

    There are many unofficial ETIAS websites. Some falsely claim to accept ETIAS applications or may charge higher fees. To make sure you and your client’s personal data is protected and to avoid unnecessary costs, always use the official ETIAS website europa.eu/etias or the mobile app.Published European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The French foreign ministry says no website issues ETIAS travel authorisations at present and warns travellers to beware of fraudulent websites.

    Aucun site ne délivre d’autorisation de voyage ETIAS à l’heure actuelle, méfiez-vous des sites frauduleux.In English: No website issues ETIAS travel authorisations at present; beware of fraudulent websites.Published Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France · checked

  • The Embassy of France in Pakistan says ETIAS is not yet in place, that websites offering to do it online are scams, and that, as no website can issue anything, travellers risk having their personal information or money stolen.

    Le dispositif ETIAS n’est pas encore mis en place. Les sites qui proposent cette démarche en ligne sont des escroqueries. ... Puisque ce système n’est pas encore opérationnel, aucun site ne pourra vous délivrer quoi que ce soit. Vous risquez donc de vous faire voler vos informations personnelles ou votre argent.In English: The ETIAS scheme has not yet been put in place. Sites offering this procedure online are scams. ... Since this system is not yet operational, no site can issue you anything. You therefore risk having your personal information or your money stolen.Published Embassy of France in Pakistan · checked

  • The EU warns about excessive service fees: intermediaries must use the official ETIAS website or app, where an application costs EUR 20, and may charge an extra fee for their services.

    Watch out for excessive service fees. Any intermediary will have to use the official ETIAS website or mobile app to submit the application, which will cost EUR 20 per application. Commercial intermediaries may charge you an additional fee for their services – always make sure to check if the extra fee is reasonable.Published European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The EU says there is only one official ETIAS website, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias; many unofficial websites are run by commercial intermediaries, and travellers should beware of scammers.

    There is only one official ETIAS website: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. There are also many unofficial websites run by commercial intermediaries. Once ETIAS is launched, commercial intermediaries will use the official ETIAS website to apply on behalf of their clients. Applying on behalf of others is allowed according to the ETIAS Regulation, but you should beware of scammers!Published European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The EU says there are dozens of unofficial ETIAS websites: some of their ETIAS information is simply wrong, many illegally use the official EU logo and pretend to be an official EU website, and others already collect travellers' personal data; the EU does not issue authorisations or licences to commercial intermediaries.

    There are dozens of unofficial ETIAS websites, often pretending to provide official information about the European Union’s upcoming and not yet in practice travel requirements for visa-free nationals, in many languages. Some of the information on these websites related to ETIAS is simply wrong. Many of them illegally use the official EU logo, pretending to be an official EU website, while others already collect travellers’ personal data, which is concerning. ... The European Union does not issue authorisations nor licences to commercial intermediaries.Published European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The official ETIAS website says it is the only official EU website for applying directly; any other website offering intermediary services collects your data, files the application on the official site for you and may charge additional fees, and anything charged on top of the EUR 20 goes to the intermediary.

    This is the only official website of the European Union that allows you to submit applications for ETIAS travel authorisations directly, in accordance with the strictest data protection standards. Any other website that provides intermediary services will collect your data and use the official ETIAS website to file the application on your behalf. These websites may also require you to pay additional fees. ... Applying for ETIAS travel authorisation directly costs EUR 20. Any additional fee charged on top of that goes to the intermediary services provider. We advise you to be careful whom you make payments to or share your personal data with.European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

How long an ETIAS decision will take

  • Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours; if more information, documents or an interview are requested, it may take up to 30 more days.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

  • The 'What is ETIAS' page puts it differently: most applications within minutes, otherwise a decision within four days, extendable by up to 14 days if more information or documents are requested, or up to 30 days if the applicant is invited to an interview.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

When you need a visa instead

  • ETIAS is not a visa or residence permit: it covers short stays only, not long-term study or work. Longer stays most likely need a long-term visa, and work needs a work visa. Travellers with a valid visa do not need ETIAS.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

More about ETIAS

ETIAS for US citizens

Visa-free, 90 days in any 180

European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 · checked

  • The US is on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Everything for this trip: Schengen area visa for US citizens.

ETIAS for UK citizens

Visa-free, 90 days in any 180

European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 · checked

  • The UK is on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Everything for this trip: Schengen area visa for UK citizens.

ETIAS for Canadians

Visa-free, 90 days in any 180

European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 · checked

  • Canada is on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Everything for this trip: Schengen area visa for Canadians.

ETIAS for Indian citizens

Visa required

European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 · checked

  • India is not on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. Nationals of these 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in the 30 European countries.

    European Union, official ETIAS website · checked

Everything for this trip: Schengen area visa for Indian citizens.

FAQ

When does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before the launch. The European Commission says the same: ETIAS is not in operation, no applications are collected, and the start date will be announced several months before the launch. When ETIAS starts, there will first be a transitional period of at least six months (travellers should apply, but those without ETIAS are not refused entry if they meet all other conditions), then a grace period of at least six months (ETIAS required, except for travellers coming for the first time since the transitional period ended).

What is the official ETIAS website?

Official application site: travel-europe.europa.eu. Official application site: europa.eu.

How much will ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS fee on the official website is EUR 20. Applicants under 18 or over 70 pay nothing, and so do family members of EU nationals who qualify for family-member status. The European Commission says the ETIAS fee has been set at EUR 20 instead of the previous EUR 7, and that the new fee will take effect as soon as ETIAS is operational.

Do US citizens need ETIAS?

US citizens: visa-free, 90 days in any 180, according to European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, checked 6 Nov 2026. The US is on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. See ETIAS for US citizens.

Do UK citizens need ETIAS?

UK citizens: visa-free, 90 days in any 180, according to European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, checked 6 Nov 2026. The UK is on the EU's list of countries whose citizens will need ETIAS. See ETIAS for UK citizens.

Can I apply for ETIAS now?

ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before the launch. The EU says there are many unofficial ETIAS websites, some of which falsely claim to accept ETIAS applications or may charge higher fees, and advises using only the official website europa.eu/etias or the mobile app.

Sources

Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.

  1. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): not running yettravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  2. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): who will need it, who won't need it and by nationalitytravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  3. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): fee, validity and stay, how to apply, warnings about other sites, processing time, visa instead and moretravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  4. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): validity and stay and processing timetravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  5. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): official website, how to apply and warnings about other sitestravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  6. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): official website and warnings about other sitestravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  7. European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs: not running yet, fee and morehome-affairs.ec.europa.eu · checked
  8. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): not running yettravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  9. European Commission, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411 (Official Journal of the EU, L series, 29.10.2025): fee historyeur-lex.europa.eu · checked
  10. European Parliament and Council of the EU, Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 (Official Journal of the EU L 236, 19.9.2018): fee historyeur-lex.europa.eu · checked
  11. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): how to applytravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  12. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): warnings about other sitestravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  13. European Union, official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu): warnings about other sitestravel-europe.europa.eu · checked
  14. Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France (diplomatie.gouv.fr): warnings about other sitesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · checked
  15. Embassy of France in Pakistan: warnings about other sitespk.diplomatie.gouv.fr · checked
  16. Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency): morefrontex.europa.eu · checked
  17. European Union, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (EUR-Lex consolidated text of 30.12.2025): entry ruleseur-lex.europa.eu · checked

More: Schengen area entry rules by nationality · EU Entry/Exit System (EES) · Schengen visa fee · all visa guides.

About this page

By the Visa Almanac editorial team. Every rule, fee and date on this page comes from the official sources listed above, each read on the day shown; where they are silent, we say so. Editorial policy · Change log

Updated
6 Nov 2026
Last checked
Official sources
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Rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source linked on each page before you travel.