What is the ETIAS Travel Authorization?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a travel authorization program being implemented by the European Union (EU). ETIAS is designed to strengthen security measures and improve border control within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders.

Once fully implemented, travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before their trip to the Schengen Area. This includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. The ETIAS authorization will be valid for multiple entries and will allow travelers to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a travel authorization that covers nationals of visa-exempt nationals travelling for short-term stays to 30 European Countries. It is expected that ETIAS will be operational in 2024.

Let’s get familiar with this new requirement:

✅ Travellers with a valid visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorization.

✅ Only nationals of these visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS travel authorization:

✅ An ETIAS travel authorization only allows the access to the European countries for a short-term stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It does not allow for other activities (ie. work, study, etc).

✅ ETIAS travel authorizations will be valid for 3 years, or until the expiry of the passport used in the application (whichever comes first).

✅ ETIAS travel authorization will be needed regardless of age.

✅ Applications may be submitted via the one official ETIAS website: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

✅ A 7 Euros fee will apply to each application. Applicants under 18 or over 70 years old will be able to apply free of charge.

✅ When applying, travellers will need to provide some personal information (ie. address, passport details, occupation, any past travel to conflict zones, any criminal convictions). No medical information will be requested.

✅The vast majority of applications will be processed in a few minutes, all within 96 hours. Additional information or documents may be request for evaluation purposes. Certain applicants may then be invited for an interview at the relative diplomatic mission. In these cases, the process may take up to 40 days.

✅ We suggest you to apply early for your ETIAS travel authorization. Applying before buing tickets and booking hotels for your trip can be strategic.

✅ For additional information, please refer to the official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

✅ To review answers to FAQs, please refer to this page: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en#about-etias-travel-authorisation