ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Important: There is a new, program, called the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which is set to launch in the first half of 2025.



With ETIAS, visa-free travelers will need to apply for a travel authorization before starting their trip. 


ETIAS is not a visa, and its introduction does not modify the visa-free status of travelers.


What You Need To Know:

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the US) are required to have a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.


How will it work?


Applying for an ETIAS travel authorization

  • You can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorization costs EUR 7, though some travelers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.

Processing your ETIAS application

  • Most applications are processed within minutes.
  • It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance of your planned journey.

Once you have applied

  • You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.
  • Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.
  • When you get your ETIAS travel authorization please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here.
  • If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.

Validity period of your ETIAS

  • Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first.
  • It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorization entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorization during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.

On arrival at the border

  • As your ETIAS travel authorization is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
  • Having a valid ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travelers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.
  • More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available here.

ETIAS checklist

  • Apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
  • Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorization – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
  • Make sure your ETIAS travel authorization is still valid
  • Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
  • Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS - you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).

Resources

It is the client's responsibility to follow the set instructions and timelines.


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