ETIAS – What You’ll Need to Travel to Europe Soon
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is coming soon. It is an electronic visa waiver that is a new travel requirement to travel to many countries in Europe. It is a prescreening system meant to provide more security. Here’s what you need to know.
Which Countries Will Require ETIAS
There are 30 European countries which will require this travel authorization. They are:
| Austria | Germany | Netherlands |
| Belgium | Greece | Norway |
| Bulgaria | Hungary | Poland |
| Croatia | Iceland | Portugal |
| Cyprus | Italy | Romania |
| Czech Republic | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Denmark | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Estonia | Lithuania | Spain |
| Finland | Luxembourg | Sweden |
| France | Malta | Switzerland |
When Will it be Required?
The ETIAS is a new requirement. It is expected to be implemented in early to mid 2025, but no official starting date has been set yet.
Which Travellers Will Need it?
Most travellers from 59 visa-exempt countries will need to have an ETIAS. There are some special rules for certain cases, so check at the official ETIAS website about your specific situation. In most cases, nationals of the following countries will need to provide the ETIAS travel authorization.
| Albania | Israel | St. Lucia |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Japan | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Argentina | Kiribati | Samoa |
| Australia | Kosovo | Serbia |
| Bahamas | Macau | Seychelles |
| Barbados | Malaysia | Singapore |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Marshall Islands | Soloman Islands |
| Brazil | Mauritius | South Korea |
| Brunei | Mexico | Taiwan |
| Canada | Micronesia | Timor-Leste |
| Chile | Moldova | Tonga |
| Colombia | Montenegro | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Costa Rica | New Zealand | Tuvalu |
| Dominica | Nicaragua | Ukraine |
| El Salvador | North Macedonia | United Arab Emirates |
| Georgia | Palau | United Kingdom |
| Grenada | Panama | United States of America |
| Guatemala | Paraguay | Uruguay |
| Honduras | Peru | Venezuela |
| Hong Kong | St. Kitts & Nevis |
What is the Cost?
The ETIAS application will cost 7 Euros for anyone who is over 18 and under 70 years of age, again with a few specific exceptions.
When Should I Apply?
You should apply for an ETIAS before you book any of your flights or hotels. However, on your application you will be asked which country you intend to visit first. If you fail to provide an ETIAS you will be denied entry into these countries, or you will be unable to board your flight or ship to take you there. ETIAS will be valid for a period of 3 years, but keep in mind that there is currently no exact start date when they will be required.
How do I Apply?
Since the ETIAS is not required yet, applications are not accepted yet. When the system is in operation, you will apply using your travel documents (passport, etc.) online through the official ETIAS website.