What is the ETIAS? Everything You Need to Know About the New European Travel Regulations

New regulations relating to border controls for travelers coming to the European Union will be entering into force in late 2024 and 2025 in a bid to ensure safer travel and more efficient border crossings for visitors. For example, visitors from the USA and UK will need to preregister for entry to Europe before traveling.

Don’t worry, the process will be quick and easy. To help you navigate the new requirements, we’ve put together an FAQ that will tell you everything you need to know about the ETIAS Visa Waiver Travel Authorization and the EU Entry-Exit System.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules.

What are the new systems regulating entry into the EU for third country nationals?

Starting in late 2024 and 2025, the European Union will be introducing two separate new systems that will govern border security in the region. The first, known as the EU Entry Exit System, or EES, is an automated electronic system that will replace manual passport checks and stamps. The second, known as the the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver scheme that will be required for non EU nationals entering the region for short-term stays (90 days or fewer) from certain visa-exempt countries (including the USA) from sometime in 2025. Keep reading for more information on both.

How will the EES work and what do I need to do?

The EU Entry Exit System (EES) will become operational at borders to the Schengen member countries of the EU from November 2024. The EES is an automated system that will electronically track border crossings made by visitors from non EU countries (known as third countries) like the USA and the UK. This will replace the traditional method of border guards manually checking and stamping passports.

The first time you enter the participating countries after the launch of the EES, you will be required to have your photo taken and provide fingerprint data at dedicated kiosks at the airport or port where you arrive. Beyond this you will not need to provide any documentation or do anything specific after the EES is operational, as the information will be automatically linked to your passport. In theory the automated EES system should make border crossings quicker and more efficient in the future.

What is the new Visa Waiver ETIAS Travel Authorization document?

The ETIAS Travel Authorization for visa-exempt travelers is due to be implemented sometime in 2025, and is a bit more complicated than the EES. In a nutshell, ETIAS is a visa waiver document that will be issued to travelers coming to the European Union (as well as the non-EU Schengen countries) from the approximately 60 countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Europe - including the United States, Australia and the UK. The USA already has a similar visa waiver system of their own in place, known as ESTA.

Once the ETIAS system is launched, you will need to apply for your ETIAS Travel Authorization before traveling to the EU. You will be able to do so via the official ETIAS website here: europa.eu/etias. Please note that the ETIAS system is not yet active, and applications are not currently being accepted. If you are traveling in the next few months, you don’t need to do anything. We’ll update this page when the launch date for ETIAS has been finalized.

What is the timeframe for the introduction of the ETIAS?

ETIAS will be introduced in May 1st 2025. Following this, a transitional phase, or grace period, will last six months. During this time period travelers should obtain their ETIAS travel authorization before traveling. However, entry will not be denied to those who have yet to obtain the authorization provided they meet all other entry requirements.

If you arrive at an EU or Schengen country without ETIAS certification after the grace period has ended, you will be refused entry, so make sure to keep yourself informed!

It should be noted that ETIAS is a quick, online authorization for visa-exempt travelers, valid for three years. In contrast, a Schengen Visa is required for travelers from non-visa-exempt countries and involves a detailed consulate application process, and is typically valid for specific 90-day trips

How Do You Apply For the ETIAS Travel Authorization?

After the system has been launched, applying for your ETIAS Visa Waiver via the official website will be very straightforward. You will need to pay a fee of €7 to apply (applicants who are under 18 or above 70 years of age don’t have to pay) and be in possession of a valid passport not more than 10 years old. You’ll also have to provide the following information on the online form:

Travel document details;
Personal information including your full name, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ names, email address and phone number;
Details about your level of education and current occupation;
Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS (this only applies to your first trip, and can change);
Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country (so-called return decisions).

How Long Is the Travel Authorization Valid For?

The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, or until your current passport expires, whichever comes sooner. You’ll be able to travel as many times as you want to EU countries in this period - you won’t need to reapply for new trips, or provide further information about new travel plans - the travel information that you provide when you apply is only required to process your application. After 3 years or your passport expires you’ll need to complete the application process again.

Which Countries are Participating in the New ETIAS Travel Authorization?

With the exception of Ireland (you won’t require an ETIAS travel waiver to visit the Emerald Isle, but will if you plan on any onward travel to other European destinations), all member states of the European Union as well as the Non-EU members of Schengen will require ETIAS Travel Authorization for entry. Here’s the full list:

How much does the ETIAS cost?

The application will cost €7 per person. Minors under the age of 18 and persons over the age of 70 are exempt from this fee.

How Long Will It Take for my ETIAS Application to be Processed?

It is envisaged that approval for the ETIAS will be very quick. In most cases processing the application will only take a few minutes. You’ll receive an email confirming that your application has been successful, and from that moment you’ll be ready to travel! In some cases the process might take longer, but you should receive a confirmation within a maximum of 96 hours.

You will be informed via email if more information is required to process your application, but this will only occur in a very small number of cases. For the vast majority of travelers, the system will not entail major headaches. Nonetheless, it will be sensible to obtain your ETIAS well in advance of your travel dates.

Will I Need to Bring a Copy of the Travel Authorization With Me?

No. The ETIAS certification is electronically linked to your passport, so border controls will know that you are in possession of a valid visa waiver when your passport is scanned. For your peace of mind, however, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to print out a copy of your ETIAS to bring with you.

We hope you found this guide to the new travel requirements entering into force in the next year! Please note that as the launch date for ETIAS has yet to be finalized, all of this information is still subject to change. We’ll update this page if anything changes, and when we know the exact date that the ETIAS system is going live, we’ll let you know here too, so be sure to check back before you travel!

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