ETIAS is a coming EU travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, similar to the US ESTA. As of now it is not live, so you don't need it yet. When it launches you'll apply online for a small fee before travel. Never pay a third-party 'ETIAS' site until it's official.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require visa-exempt travelers — including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens — to get an online authorization before entering most of Europe, much like the US ESTA or the UK ETA.
Current status: ETIAS is not yet in force. The EU has pointed to a launch in the future with a grace period afterward, but the date has repeatedly moved. Until it officially starts, you enter Europe with just your passport (plus the biometric EES registration now done at the border).
When it launches, expect:
- An online application before you travel, approved usually within minutes to a few days.
- A small fee (a set amount, waived for under-18s and over-70s under current plans).
- Validity of about three years or until your passport expires.
Watch out: third-party sites already sell ‘ETIAS applications.’ Until the official EU system is live, they’re selling nothing. Bookmark the official EU page and wait for the confirmed start date.
Related questions
How long does my passport need to be valid to travel?
Many countries require six months' validity beyond your arrival or departure date; the Schengen area requires three months beyond your planned exit and a passport issued within the last ten years. Airlines enforce these rules at check-in. Full answer →
What is the Schengen 90/180-day rule?
Visa-exempt visitors may spend at most 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen area combined. Every day counts, entries and exits are now recorded automatically by the EU Entry/Exit System, and overstays carry fines and bans. Full answer →
Do I need a visa to transit through an airport?
Depends on the country and your passport. Many hubs allow airside transit without a visa; the US, Canada and Australia require an ESTA/eTA/ETA even to transit; the UK requires a transit visa for some nationalities. Check before you book a connection. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.