Planning a European Vacation? Here Is What to Know About ETIAS

If Europe is on your travel wish list, you may have started hearing a new acronym pop up: ETIAS.

Between flights, hotels, passports, airport transfers, restaurant reservations, and all the fun details that make a trip memorable, it is completely understandable if European travel paperwork is not at the top of your list. But ETIAS is one to keep on your radar for future Europe travel.

The most important thing to know right now? ETIAS is not yet in operation. No applications are being collected at this time, and the European Union has said it will announce the specific launch date several months before the system begins. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

So, there is nothing you need to apply for today. But when ETIAS does launch, travelers will want to be prepared.

What exactly is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System.

It will be a travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers entering 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS is not a visa, and it is not a residence permit. It is an authorization travelers will need to obtain before beginning their trip.

Once in place, ETIAS will allow eligible travelers to visit participating European countries for:

• Tourism

• Business travel

• Short-term study

• Transit

• Other short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period

For many travelers, this will be a new pre-trip task, much like confirming a passport’s validity before an international vacation. It is not something to be intimidated by, but it will be important to complete before departure.

Who will need ETIAS?

As a general rule, ETIAS will be required for travelers who meet all of the following criteria:

• They are not EU nationals.

• They are citizens of a country whose nationals do not need a visa for a short stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS.

• They do not hold an eligible residence card or residence permit.

The system is expected to apply to visa-exempt nationals from 59 countries and territories.

If you are a visa-exempt traveler, it will be essential to confirm whether ETIAS applies to you before booking that long-awaited European itinerary. Travelers who need ETIAS and arrive at the border without a valid authorization will be refused entry.

As always, each traveler’s circumstances matter. Passport nationality, residency, dual citizenship, and the purpose and duration of a trip can all affect travel requirements.

Which countries use ETIAS?

ETIAS will be required for travel to 30 European countries. These include the 29 countries in the Schengen Area, along with Cyprus.

That means it will be relevant for many of Europe’s most popular destinations, including places travelers often combine into one fabulous itinerary:

France                         Austria

Italy                             Iceland

Greece                        The Netherlands

Spain                           Croatia

Portugal                     Scandinavia

Switzerland               Cyprus

Germany

The important takeaway is that ETIAS is designed for short stays across the participating countries. It is not a separate authorization for every stop on a multi-country itinerary.

For example, if your trip includes Paris, a Rhine River cruise, and a few days in Switzerland, one valid ETIAS authorization will cover travel across the European countries requiring it, as long as you follow the permitted-stay rules.

What will the application involve?

When ETIAS becomes available, travelers will apply online through the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.

The application process is intended to be quick and straightforward. To apply, travelers will need:

• A valid travel document, such as a passport

• An email address

• A completed online application

• Payment of the application fee, when applicable

Your passport must be valid for more than three months after your planned departure from the ETIAS countries. It also cannot be more than 10 years old.

The official application fee will be EUR 20. Some travelers will be exempt from paying it, including applicants under age 18 and over age 70. Certain family members may also qualify for an exemption.

A friend, family member, travel advisor, or other commercial intermediary can submit an application on your behalf if you authorize them to do so.

How long will it take?

Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed within minutes. In some cases, however, processing can take up to 96 hours.

There are also situations where additional information, documentation, or an interview may be required. In those cases, the full process can take up to an additional 30 days.

That is why the official guidance strongly recommends obtaining ETIAS authorization before buying tickets and booking accommodations.

While it may be tempting to wait until every last trip detail is in place, this is one part of the planning process that deserves a little breathing room.

My advice? Once ETIAS begins, make checking this requirement one of the first steps when planning a European trip.

How long will an approval last?

Once approved, an ETIAS travel authorization will generally be valid for:

• Three years, or

• Until the passport used for the application expires

Whichever comes first

During that valid period, you can enter the participating European countries as many times as you wish, as long as you follow the overall short-stay limit.

That limit is:

• Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the European countries requiring ETIAS.

• Time spent in Cyprus is calculated separately from time spent in the other ETIAS countries.

This multi-entry validity will be especially convenient for travelers who anticipate multiple European trips over several years.

A note about timing

When ETIAS officially launches, there will be a transitional period of at least six months. During that period, travelers should already apply for ETIAS, although travelers without one will not be refused entry if they meet all other entry conditions.

A grace period of at least six months will follow. During that time, a valid ETIAS will generally be required for entry, with a limited exception for certain first-time visitors to Europe since the end of the transitional period.

In other words, there will be time to adjust, but waiting until the last possible moment is never the travel strategy I recommend.

The bottom line

ETIAS is not something you need to apply for today, but it will become an important part of planning a visa-exempt trip to much of Europe once the system launches.

For now, the best thing you can do is stay informed, keep your passport current, and remember that the only official ETIAS website is the European Union’s official site.

The paperwork may not be the most glamorous part of planning a European escape, but having it handled early means you can focus on the best part: savoring every unforgettable moment once you arrive. As always feel free to reach out to me with any questions.