A significant number of non-European Union (EU) nations have agreements that allow their citizens to travel to the Schengen countries without obtaining a visa. At present, citizens from a whopping 59 nations enjoy visa-free entry into the EU or Schengen Zone.
Visitors from such countries have the freedom to go to the Schengen/EU countries and stay there for up to 90 days for the business or tourism reasons. However, you will not be permitted to work or enroll in the educational programs during this period.
Amidst heightened concerns over the migration and terrorism, authorities in the EU recognized the need for improved border control. Amidst much deliberation, EU introduced the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in 2016, to enhance the safety of travel within its territory.
Although ETIAS is still being developed, the timeline of launch is as follows:
Did you know? Ireland is the only EU member country which will not require an ETIAS for entry.
European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS (in short) is a mandatory “Electronic Travel Authorization” deployed by the European Union for the visa-exempt visitors coming to 30 European countries (29 Schengen Nations + Cyprus). ETIAS aims to improve security by identifying potential risks related to the security threats, irregular migration, or high epidemic risks posed by the visa-exempt travelers before they enter the EU region.
In case you didn’t know – Approximately 1.4 billion people from a staggering 59 countries will need to secure an ETIAS before travelling to the EU in late 2026 or early 2027.
Struggling to get a Schengen visa appointment from the UK? Check out our Schengen application form – you can see the available appointment dates instantly!
If you are a non-EU citizen belonging to the 59 countries that enjoy visa-free entry, but intend to visit:
in late 2026, or by the beginning of 2027, then, you will need to get an authorization via ETIAS.
Yes, all minors and children from the 59 visa-exempt countries are required to obtain the ETIAS before entering the Schengen region or EU countries in late 2026 or the beginning of 2027. However, the application for the minor must be completed online by a parent or legal guardian.
Here are the following documents and information that you need to furnish/submit when you apply for ETIAS:
Here is a step-by-step process to conveniently apply for ETIAS:
The application process for the ETIAS takes only 10 minutes. On the other hand, the processing of your ETIAS authorization takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After this, ETIAS will be automatically linked to your passport electronically!
The fee for an ETIAS application is €7. However, children or minors under the age of 18 and applicants above the age of 70 are exempt from paying the ETIAS application fee!
Yes, someone else may apply for ETIAS on your behalf, including a family member, friend or a commercial intermediary like a travel agency. However, you will be required to provide a signed formal declaration of representation authorizing a third-party person/entity to apply on your behalf. This applies for minors or a person under the legal guardianship.
Note – Provide your personal email address to receive all the communications directly from the ETIAS authorities during the validity of your travel authorization.
Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
During the validity of your ETIAS authorization (3 years) or until your passport expires, you can enter and exit the Europe/Schengen region multiple times. However, you need to note that the maximum duration of each stay should not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
You do not need to print your ETIAS approval because it is electronically linked to your passport. In fact, the border control authorities and check-in staff at the airport have the ability to easily access your ETIAS status digitally through the databases or your passport chip (if applicable). However, having a printed hard copy can be helpful in case there is some technical issue with the passport readers or the system.
Your personal data in the ETIAS system is protected through strict adherence to the European Data Protection Regulations notably:
Some of the key data protection features include:
Yes, even though it is not common to get your ETIAS application rejected, you can still appeal after the rejection. Simply get in touch with the ETIAS National Unit of the Schengen/EU country that took the rejection decision who will provide detailed instructions on how to appeal. Simply follow the process, furnish any supporting documents or information (if requested) and wait for the decision which you will get in your email.
| Aspect | ETIAS | Schengen Visa |
| What it is | A travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals, not a visa itself. | A visa required for nationals of countries without visa-free access to the Schengen Area. |
| Who needs it | Citizens of over 59 countries with visa-free access to the EU (e.g., US, Canada, UK). | Citizens of countries that need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. |
| Purpose and duration | Short stays for tourism, business, or transit, up to 90 days within any 180-day period. | Also, mostly short stays up to 90 days, but with more flexible visa types for tourism, business, medical, study, etc. |
| Application process | Fully online, quick automated approval usually within minutes, no biometric data, no need for in-person interviews. | Requires in-person appointment at embassies/consulates, submission of documents, biometrics, and often an interview; processing takes 10-15 days or more. |
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ETIAS was introduced to primarily enhance the security of the Schengen/EU region by conducting a pre-screening of the visa-exempt travellers before they enter the area.
Here are the following types of visitors who are exempt from the ETIAS:
1 EU Nationals
2. Travelers with a valid Schengen Visa
3. Travelers with Diplomatic, Service or Special Passports
4. Non-EU Nationals holding valid long-stay visas or residence permits
You cannot extend the existing ETIAS. However, you can apply for renewal of ETIAS authorization. It is recommended to start the renewal process a minimum of 120 days before your current ETIAS expires by following the same process of ETIAS application.
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