Schengen ETIAS: Start date, fees & everything you need to know

You may have heard of ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. However, it is not yet in operation and won’t launch in the first half of 2025. For now, travelers don’t need to take any action. That said, it’s important to understand ETIAS—who needs it & what to expect when traveling to Europe.

Is ETIAS in effect?

No, ETIAS is not yet in effect. It will not start in the first half of 2025, and no action is required from travelers at this time. The European Union will announce the official launch several months in advance.

What is Schengen ETIAS?

Schengen ETIAS is a new travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries. It is an electronic system linked to your passport and will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ETIAS authorization.

Having an approved ETIAS allows multiple short-term stays in Europe, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. Border officials will still check your documents upon arrival to ensure you meet entry requirements.

Schengen ETIAS countries: What is the Schengen area in Europe?

Which countries in Europe will require ETIAS? Schengen ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers visiting the following 30 European countries:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Bulgaria

4. Croatia

5. Cyprus

6. Czech Republic

7. Denmark

8. Estonia

9. Finland

10. France

11. Germany

12. Greece

13. Hungary

14. Iceland

15. Italy

16. Latvia

17. Liechtenstein

18. Lithuania

19. Luxembourg

20. Malta

21. Netherlands

22. Norway

23. Poland

24. Portugal

25. Romania

26. Slovakia

27. Slovenia

28. Spain

29. Sweden

30. Switzerland

If you are traveling to any of these destinations without a visa, you will need an approved ETIAS authorization before departure.

Who needs an ETIAS travel authorization?

ETIAS applies to visa-exempt nationals traveling to Europe for short stays, such as:

1. Albania

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Argentina

4. Australia

5. Bahamas

6. Barbados

7. Bosnia and Herzegovina

8. Brazil

9. Brunei

10. Canada

11. Chile

12. Colombia

13. Costa Rica

14. Dominica

15. El Salvador

16. Georgia

17. Grenada

18. Guatemala

19. Honduras

20. Hong Kong

21. Israel

22. Japan

23. Kiribati

24. Kosovo

25. Macao

26. Malaysia

27. Marshall Islands

28. Mauritius

29. Mexico

30. Micronesia

31. Moldova

32. Montenegro

33. New Zealand

34. Nicaragua

35. North Macedonia

36. Palau

37. Panama

38. Paraguay

39. Peru

40. Saint Kitts and Nevis

41. Saint Lucia

42. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

43. Samoa

44. Serbia

45. Seychelles

46. Singapore

47. Solomon Islands

48. South Korea

49. Taiwan

50. Timor-Leste

51. Tonga

52. Trinidad and Tobago

53. Tuvalu

54. Ukraine

55. United Arab Emirates

56. United Kingdom

57. United States of America

58. Uruguay

59. Venezuela

If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for an ETIAS before entering any of the 30 participating European countries.

ETIAS Europe 2025

​As of March 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is not yet operational. The European Union has announced that ETIAS will not commence in the first half of 2025, and travelers are not required to take any action at this time.

When does ETIAS start?

Recent developments indicate that the start date of ETIAS has been postponed to early 2026. This delay is associated with the implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which is now scheduled to become operational in late 2025. ETIAS is expected to commence six months after the Europe EES rollout, placing its anticipated start date in early 2026.

When does ETIAS start for UK?

ETIAS for UK travelers is now expected to launch in early 2026, following the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) in late 2025. UK nationals will need an approved ETIAS for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in 30 European countries.

Schengen ETIAS fee

The official ETIAS fee for Schengen travel authorization is €7. However, certain travelers are exempt from paying, including:

• Minors under 18

• Adults over 70

Family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with free movement rights

The application fee must be paid once the system is operational (expected in early 2026).

Will ETIAS replace Schengen visa?

No, ETIAS will not replace a Schengen visa. ETIAS is a travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting Schengen Area countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). It is not a visa and does not apply to travelers who already need a Schengen visa.

If you are from a country that requires a Schengen visa, you must still apply for one. ETIAS is only for visa-free travelers who previously did not need any pre-travel authorization.