What You Need to Know About ETIAS (New Europe Travel Requirement)

If you are planning a trip to Europe, then you need to know about the new ETIAS requirements that are coming in 2026.

It was previously announced that ETIAS would begin in 2025, but it has now been pushed to the last quarter of 2026.

This requirement will apply to visa-free travelers entering Europe, and will require some planning ahead because you will need to apply before your trip. This will include popular European destinations like Italy and France.

However, if you are traveling to the UK, which is no longer part of the European Union, there is a separate requirement called ETA you will need to apply for.

So let’s dig into the details.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new travel authorization requirement for visa-free travelers that Europe will be introducing in 2026. (ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System.)

If you’re from a country that can usually travel to Europe without a visa, starting in 2026 you will be required to get an ETIAS before going to Europe. (And if you don’t, you will be denied entry and may be denied boarding on your flight.)

IMPORTANT: Scammers for ETIAS are already on the loose. It’s important to know that there is ONLY ONE official ETIAS website: europa.eu/etias

Is ETIAS The Same As a Visa?

ETIAS is NOT that same as a visa. Visas require more extensive forms, more money, and often an appointment at a consulate.

ETIAS on the other hand is a quick and easy online form. And it is for travelers from countries where you DO NOT need a visa to enter Europe.

What Countries Will Require ETIAS?

Most European countries will require you to have an ETIAS to enter the country if you were previously able to enter the country without a visa. This includes the 27 Schengen countries along with Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

Here’s a list of countries that will require ETIAS:

Does ETIAS Apply To Me?

If you previously could travel to Europe without applying for a visa, you will need an ETIAS beginning in 2026.

The list of countries to so long that I’m not going to list them all here (you can find the full list on the ETIAS site). But it does include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and many Central and South American countries.

How Do I Apply?

You will be able to apply online on the EU ETIAS website. You will need a passport that is valid for more than 3 months, an email address, and a way to pay the fee.

It’s important to know that applications HAVE NOT opened yet and will not open until sometime in 2026.

Once they open, there will be a transitional period where you will be able to apply but it will not be required.

How Much Does ETIAS Cost?

Your ETIAS application will cost 7 euros.

How Far in Advance Should I Apply for ETIAS?

Since the application is done online, the processing time should be very quick (it could even be immediate).

HOWEVER, you don’t want to risk it! So it is recommended that you apply several weeks or a month in advance.

How Do I Show That I Have an ETIAS?

This was a confusing point to me at first. Do I get some kind of certificate? Some kind of paper I need to print?

Nope! Your ETIAS will automatically be linked to your passport, so when they scan your passport at the airport or at border control, your ETIAS will show up.

How Long Will My ETIAS Be Good For?

Your ETIAS will be good for three years or until the passport you used to apply expires. You can use it as many times during that period as you want.

Remember that ETIAS is only for short-term visits though. It will allow you to stay in Europe for 90 days in a 180-day period. If you are planning a longer visit to Europe, you will need to look at visa requirements instead.

What If My ETIAS Gets Refused or Revoked?

You will be able to appeal if your ETIAS gets refused or revoked. If your ETIAS is refused, you will get an email stating the reasons why and giving you instructions on how to appeal.

When Does ETIAS Go Into Effect?

ETIAS will go into effect in the last quarter of 2026.

Once the ETIAS application is live, there will be a transitional period in which you will be encouraged (but not required) to apply for an ETIAS. This should give everyone some time to get used to the new system before it is required.

What Is the New Entry/Exit System (EES)?

Along with ETIAS, Europe is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES). This is NOT the same as ETIAS. And this system is expected to begin in October 2025.

Instead, this is largely about how entries and exits are handled at the border. This will change what travelers experience in two major ways:

1. You will no longer be getting passport stamps. Instead, everything will be electronic.
2. Fingerprints and facial images will be taken at the border.

Countries like the US already have systems like this in place, so while it may be new for traveling to Europe it is not new for many travelers in general.

What About Travel to the UK?

Since the UK is no longer part of the European Union, they are not part of the ETIAS system. However, the UK has put a new, similar system into place.

Now, if you previously traveled to the UK visa-free, you will need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This new requirement went into effect at the beginning of 2025.

More Questions About ETIAS?

Find answers at the official ETIAS website.

What’s Next?

• Plan a 10 Day Trip to Italy
• Plan A Week in Norway
• Plan 3 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark

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