Who needs ETIAS? Citizens of countries that can enter the Schengen area without a visa, such as the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and the Gulf states. ETIAS will cover the Schengen countries and Cyprus.
If your nationality needs a Schengen visa, ETIAS does not apply to you; you keep applying for a visa.
Fee, validity and transition Fee: €20 (free under 18 and over 70, but they must still apply). Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The 90 days in any 180 days rule stays the same. First 6 months are a transition period: nobody is refused entry only for lacking ETIAS; a further 6-month grace period follows. How to apply Apply only on the official ETIAS website or app; it takes a few minutes. You need your passport, personal details and a few security questions. Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes. Third-party sites charge an extra service fee for the same thing.
EES: fingerprints and photo Separately, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully running at all Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026. Non-EU travellers give fingerprints and a facial image on their first entry, and passports are no longer stamped.
Frequently asked questions When does ETIAS start? The European Commission has announced the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced several months in advance.
Is ETIAS a visa? No. It is a pre-travel security check for people who can already travel visa-free; no consulate visit or appointment is needed.
Do children need ETIAS? Yes, every traveller needs one, but under-18s pay no fee.
European Union: ETIAS (travel-europe.europa.eu) · European Union: EES · 2026-10-29
Schengen document checklist · UK ETA · US ESTA · Greek islands express visa
Home · Route Planner · Schengen 90/180 Day Calculator & Travel Wallet · Travel Tools · Profile · Emergency & Consulate
