After countless false starts, the European Travel Information and Authorization System will be required to visit most European countries, which will be launched by the end of 2026. But now it will cost more. After initially pricing the ETIA fee for 7 euros (about $8), the EU has recently raised the cost to 20 euros (about $23).
Although sometimes referred to as a “visa”, this is really just an online application and pre-authorization. It will be much easier and will be much cheaper than a traditional travel visa.
As of August 2025, the EU’s official ETIAS website stated that “ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026” and “no action is required at this time.”
“The European Union will inform certain dates at the start of ETIAS months before launch,” it said.
When it finally starts, the program will require travelers from countries outside the Schengen region to complete the application before arrival and pay a 20-Euro fee to enter most EU or Schengen region countries.
What does this mean for future trips to Europe? Here is all you need to know about your upcoming ETIAS program.
What is Etias?
ETIAS is a visa program similar to the electronic system currently used for travel authorization for European visitors
The form will act as a pre-authorized system that allows travelers from 59 visa countries and territories outside the Schengen region (including the UK and the US) to enter the region for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a full visa.
ETIA will cross-check visitors’ information with the government database and watch the list before issuing authorization. It will also use the information collected in data tracking for commercial and tourism purposes.
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“We need to know who is crossing our borders,” former European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker previously said. “That way, we will know who is heading to Europe before we get here.”
Is Etias a visa?
ETIAS is not a traditional European visa, it only requires a seemingly fast online application.
Before answering some safety questions, travelers will fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans and history. Most applications will be approved within minutes, but if your application is marked, it may take 30 days.
Which countries need Etias?
Travelers from the following visa exemptions countries and regions will require ETIAS authorization before traveling to Europe.
This is the 30 countries that need to be passed on to show ETIAS approved. Including new Schengen regional members such as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, such as Romania and Bulgaria and the European Free Trade Association.
Several future Schengen member states, including Cyprus, will also need ETIA. While some European principalities and European principalities like San Marino and Andorra do not require ETIAS to enter, most travelers will have to travel through countries like Italy, France or Spain that really need authorization. Although Ireland is part of the EU, it is not a country in the Schengen region and does not require Etias.
Here is a visa required – a complete list of countries exempted from travelers with ETIA travel authorization:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Do we and British citizens need to apply for ETIAS?
U.S. citizens (and citizens of the UK and other non-EU countries who do not currently require visa application) require ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for up to 90 days of access. This includes transit passengers.
If you have applied for a visa separately to enter Europe, you do not need to complete the ETIAS application.
When do I need to apply for ETIA?
ETIAS will be launched in the last quarter of 2026 (i.e., September 2026 or later).
However, releases may not follow this exact schedule, or may even be interleaved. The EU said the release of ETIAS will be a transition period of about six months. During this period, travelers should apply for ETIAS authorization; as long as you also fulfill other entry conditions, you are unlikely to refuse to enter a country during your trip.
These conditions include passports issued for no more than 10 years before the date of your entry into the EU and validity at least three months on the date of leaving the EU.
How much will Etias cost?
ETIAS recently raised its cost to a three-year license of 20 euros (approximately US$23), which allows the “third national” to enter the Schengen area for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Only visitors aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay the application fee, but travelers of all ages will require ETIAS authorization to enter.
How do you apply for Etias?
Before traveling, you must access ETIAS online application to enter your passport information, name, date of birth, email address and phone number, as well as a credit or debit card to submit payment fees.
You also need to provide your destination and answer some background and profile questions. The ETIAS website says the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Travelers will be asked to provide details on health, education and criminal convictions.
According to the ETIAS Information website, here is what you need to fill in:
- Identification information (including your first name, last name, date and place of birth, and the name of your parents)
- Information about your citizenship and passport number
- Home address
- Email and phone number
- Educational experience
- Detailed information on which Etias country and stay time you will visit
- Background and qualifications issues concerning traveling to a war country or where you were deported or rejected, as well as criminal records
The legal guardian must apply for ETIA from the minor. Family members of EU citizens from other countries are exempt from ETIAS authorization, but must submit a certificate of relationship, residence card and other background information.
How long does the approval process take?
Most applicants should take several minutes to approve. However, if a project is marked in the application, a manual review will be performed. The applicant may correct any inappropriate information or appeal the rejection decision. It is recommended to apply for ETIAS before your travel date, especially during its initial launch process, when the process is eliminated.
“Filling in an application is very simple. Most applicants will get their ETIA’s travel authorization within minutes, but in some cases the process can take up to 30 days,” the EU said. “That’s why you should apply in time to avoid complications before traveling.”
How long does Etias last and you need to apply for each trip to Europe?
Once approved, your ETIA will be valid for up to three years and you can use it multiple times. After three years, you will need to apply for a new ETIA.
Is there a renewal process?
When your ETIA reaches the expiration date, you should receive an email at the address you registered during the application period.
You can apply for a new ETIA authorization 120 days before the current ETIA expires.
How will your data be stored?
The European Commission has tried to alleviate privacy concerns by insisting that ETIAS is not a visa, including an invasive application process.
“Only authorized users involving the authorities can access personal data stored in the ETIAS central system according to their roles/responsibilities.” “After processing of transactions, the ETIAS central system will not process or retain any payment information.”
Bottom line
Fortunately, Americans and British who plan to visit Europe do not need to take any immediate action. Still, they should know that ETIA will be launched next year.
Be prepared to take a closer look and pay another fee during the trip sometime in 2026.
The EU also plans to launch its extended “Incoming/Exit System” between October 12, 2025 and April 10, 2026. The new plan will be available to travelers in the Schengen area and will require fingerprint and facial biometric data instead of receiving a passport.
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