When Will ETIAS Start? What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Europe

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Europe single-handedly welcomes roughly half of all of the world's tourist arrivals. Over 800 million international visitors a year, in fact. And counting. However, something called ETIAS is about to change the way many of these millions enter the continent.

ETIAS is the European Union’s long-awaited digital authorisation system for visa-exempt travelers. And as such, it’s been generating quite a buzz worldwide for years. So if you too are heading to Europe, AXA has all the latest about ETIAS below.

Written by Kurt Hambadda
Date: 28.09.2026

ETIAS for Europe: Topics Covered

• 📘 What is ETIAS?
• 🌍 Which European countries are implementing ETIAS?
• 🛂 Do I need ETIAS approval for Europe?
• 📅 When will ETIAS be implemented?
• 💶 How much does ETIAS cost?
• 👣 ETIAS: step-by-step application guide
• 📄 Documents and Information Required for ETIAS
• ⏱️ ETIAS Processing Time
• ⏳ ETIAS Validity
• 🛡️ ETIAS and travel insurance
• ❓ FAQs about ETIAS for Europe

What Is ETIAS? Europe’s New Travel Authorization Explained

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. And in simpler terms, it is an electronic, online screening tool for the EU’s border control.

When implemented, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries will need to have an ETIAS approval if they want to enter any of Europe’s Schengen countries (plus Cyprus).

Why Is the EU Introducing ETIAS? Security and Border Goals

The European Union is introducing ETIAS to strengthen border security and identify potential risks before visa-exempt travelers arrive at the border.

Why ETIAS is being introduced:

• To close security gaps: While traditional visa applicants undergo background checks, visa-free travelers currently enter Europe with no prior screening. ETIAS fixes this.
  
• To monitor border crossings and stay limits: The system automatically tracks entries and exits to prevent overstaying (the 90-day rule) and combat illegal immigration.
  
• To screen risks in advance: Automated checks against security databases flag potential public health or safety concerns before you board your flight.
  
• To speed up border controls: Pre-screened travelers will enjoy smoother, faster entry at European borders.

👉DID YOU KNOW?

ETIAS is modeled after existing global travel authorization systems, such as the US ESTA, Canada's eTA, Australia's ETA, and the UK's ETA.

Which European Countries Require ETIAS? (Full List)

As of late 2026, the 30 European countries on board for ETIAS are:

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

💡 Good to know

• Schengen Area: With an ETIAS travel authorisation, you can travel and stay freely within the Schengen Area.
  
• Cyprus: Cyprus is a candidate for joining the Schengen Area. Some Schengen rules are already applied there. Check the entry and border-crossing requirements for Cyprus before travelling.
  
• Ireland: This EU country is not part of the Schengen Area and intends to maintain its own entry policy.

Who Needs ETIAS? Eligible Countries and Exemption Rules

Whether you need to apply for ETIAS depends entirely on your nationality and visa status.

In short: U.S., U.K., Canadian, Australian, and other visa-exempt passport holders must obtain an ETIAS approval. Conversely, standard Schengen visa holders and EU citizens do not.

Here is a quick breakdown by status:

⚠️GOOD TO KNOW: Some visa-exempt travelers, however, may be exempt from ETIAS too (such as certain diplomats and military personnel on official duty).
So to know exactly where you stand, be sure to consult the official ETIAS website’s FAQs about exemptions.

Full List of countries and territories whose nationals need an ETIAS

If you hold a passport from any of the following visa-exempt countries or territories, you must secure an ETIAS travel authorization prior to departure:

💡 PRO TIP: Entry regulations and visa-waiver agreements can evolve over time. We strongly recommend verifying your eligibility on the official European Union ETIAS portal or consulting the embassy or consulate of your destination country before booking your trip.

When Will ETIAS Start? Launch Date and Timeline

Great question! The European Commission first proposed ETIAS back in 2016. It got the official green light in 2018. And then well, the endless game of postponing began.

As of late 2026, the official ETIAS portal keeps it pretty vague:

"The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch."

To give you an idea of how much this timeline has shifted, here is a quick look back at the moving targets:

• In 2023: A planned "January 2024" launch was pushed first to "May 2024," and then again to "May 2025."
  
• In 2025: The EU updated its timeline once more to "the last quarter of 2026."
  
• In 2026: The EU finally rolled out its Entry/Exit System (EES), the sister system to ETIAS. Ironically, this setup phase caused even further delays, leading the EU to stop committing to specific dates altogether.

💡 PRO TIP: While we consistently aim to be your most up-to-date guide on all things ETIAS, your best bet is always to double-check the official EU ETIAS Portal before booking. At this point, your guess is honestly as good as ours!

📌 Good to Know: Over the years, the EU has made it clear that whenever ETIAS officially launches, it will come with a 6-month grace period. During this transition, applying will be encouraged, but not strictly mandatory to cross the border.

How Much Does an ETIAS Application Cost?

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorization will cost €20 per applicant.

Here is how the fee structure breaks down:

• Standard fee: €20 for adult travelers aged 18 to 70.
  
• Free applications (€0): Applicants under 18, applicants over 70, and qualifying family members of EU citizens do not pay any fee.
  
• Payment method: Payable online via debit or credit card during the application process.
  
• Validity: One payment covers your authorization for 3 years (or until your passport expires).

💡 Did You Know? The EU originally set the ETIAS fee at €7, but recently increased it to €20. Fee structures can evolve, so always double-check the official ETIAS portal for the latest updates before applying.

Where and How to Apply for ETIAS?

When the system goes live, you can apply entirely online via the official European Union ETIAS website or the official mobile app.

Applying is a simple 6-step process:

1. Access the platform: Go to the official EU ETIAS portal or app.
   
2. Enter your details: Fill in your personal, passport, and contact information.
   
3. Add your travel plans: Indicate the first European country you plan to visit.
   
4. Answer security questions: Complete the background check section (criminal record, travel to conflict zones).
   
5. Pay the fee: Pay the €20 fee online (if applicable).
   
6. Receive your decision: Check your email for approval.

📍NOTE: Minors will need to have their legal guardians apply, while family members of EU citizens will need to submit proof of relationship (and other background information).

⚠️ Warning - Avoid Third-Party Scams: Only apply through the official European Union website or app. Be extremely cautious of third-party websites with similar names. Some may offer intermediary services, but they will charge you unnecessary extra fees.

What Documents and Information Do I Need for ETIAS?

To submit your application, you will primarily need a valid passport (or qualifying travel document) and basic personal details.

Information you will need to provide:

• Personal details: Full name, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, email, and phone number.
  
• Background info: Education level, current occupation, and parents' first names.
  
• Passport data: Document number, issue date, and expiration date.
  
• Travel plans: Your first intended country of stay in Europe and the address of your destination.

🙂GOOD TO KNOW: Don’t worry, unlike with visas, you won’t need confirmed flights, hotel bookings, or a full itinerary to apply.

• Security screening: Answers regarding criminal history, past travel to war zones, or previous EU return decisions (orders to leave a country).

📌 Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from Europe and must have been issued within the last 10 years.

💡 PRO TIP: Double-check your passport number before submitting. Your ETIAS approval is electronically linked to that specific passport—if you make a typo or get a new passport later, your ETIAS becomes invalid, and you will need to apply and pay again.

How Long Does ETIAS Approval Take?

The vast majority of ETIAS applications will be processed within a few minutes. However, if your application triggers an automated flag or requires manual review:

• Standard review: Decisions can take up to 4 days.
  
• Additional info requested: If you need to submit extra documentation, processing can take up to 14 days.
  
• In-person interview: In rare cases where an interview is required, processing can take up to 30 days.

💡 PRO TIP: While most approvals are nearly instant, we strongly recommend applying for your ETIAS well in advance of your departure date to avoid any last-minute travel disruptions.

How Long Is ETIAS Valid For?

An ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years or until the passport used during the application expires—whichever comes first.

Rules for traveling with ETIAS:

• Multiple entries: You can enter and leave Europe as many times as you like during the 3-year validity.
  
• The 90/180 rule: Stays must comply with standard visa-free rules (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
  
• Longer stays: If you plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 consecutive days, you will need a national long-stay visa (Type D) rather than an ETIAS.

⚠️ Important Reminder: ETIAS is directly linked to your physical passport. If your passport expires or you renew it, your ETIAS authorization automatically becomes invalid—even if the 3 years aren't up yet.

Do I need travel insurance to apply for ETIAS approval?

No, having travel insurance is not legally required to apply for ETIAS. Unlike traditional Schengen visa applicants, who must show proof of insurance to get approved, visa-exempt travelers are not mandated to buy coverage for ETIAS.

However, traveling to Europe without insurance is a massive risk. Here is why:

• Extremely high medical costs: Foreign visitors are not covered by European public healthcare systems. A sudden hospitalization, emergency surgery, or doctor's visit can instantly result in thousands of euros out of pocket.
  
• Costly emergency repatriation: If a serious medical issue requires specialized transport back to your home country, costs can easily run into tens of thousands of euros without coverage.
  
• Unpredictable travel disruptions: Flight cancellations, lost luggage, and sudden illness before departure happen to anyone. Without insurance, you bear all financial losses alone.

Taking out comprehensive travel insurance lets you handle unexpected surprises and enjoy a stress-free trip across Europe.

Why choose AXA Travel Insurance for your trip to Europe?

And to guarantee a safe and worry-free Eurotrip, millions of travelers worldwide choose AXA time and time again. We offer four plans:

• BASIC: Essential low-cost medical protection across the Schengen zone.
  
• ESSENTIAL: Enhanced medical coverage and support for broader European travel.
  
• PREMIUM: All-inclusive coverage with maximum guarantees.
  
• ANNUAL: Unlimited trips to Schengen, EU, and the UK (up to 90 consecutive days each).

And each AXA plan above is catered to meet various travel needs and budgets. Here are just some of their perks:

✅ 100% visa compliance (and 100% Refund if your visa is denied)

✅ Up to €2M medical coverage

✅ Emergency Medical Treatment and Hospitalization (including Emergency Dental Care)

✅ 24/7 Medical Assistance and Support

✅ "Doctor, Please!" access: Free remote medical teleconsultations directly from your phone while abroad

✅Full Repatriation Support

Whether ETIAS is mandatory for your entry or not, protecting your health and financial well-being while abroad is always smart planning.

Some more AXA pieces on European travel that may be of use:

• New rules for travelling to Europe this year
• Return of border controls between Schengen countries
• Safety tips for travel to Europe

FAQs about ETIAS for Europe

Is ETIAS the same as a visa?

No, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a quick, automated travel authorization for visa-exempt foreign nationals—similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA.

Unlike a Schengen visa, which requires physical paperwork and embassy visits, ETIAS is 100% online, costs just €20, and is valid for 3 years for multiple short visits (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).

What types of travel does ETIAS cover?

An ETIAS authorization covers all short-term travel (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for the following purposes:

• Tourism and leisure (vacations, visiting family or friends)
• Business (attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs)
• Transit through European airports or territories
• Short-term study or training courses
• Medical treatment

IMPORTANT! ETIAS does not grant you the right to work long-term, live, or study full-time in Europe. For those purposes, you must apply for a national visa or work permit.

How and where do I pay the ETIAS fee?

You pay the €20 fee directly online on the official EU ETIAS website or official mobile app at the end of your application process.
Payment is processed electronically using a credit or debit card (such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).
Warning: Never pay fees on third-party websites. Official payments are made exclusively through the official European Union platform.

What happens if my ETIAS application is denied? Can I get a refund?

If your ETIAS application is refused, the €20 application fee is strictly non-refundable, as set by the European Union.
If your ETIAS application is denied, you will be given a reason as to why. You can then either appeal this decision or adjust your application and try again (a new fee will apply).

Can an ETIAS travel authorization be revoked?

Yes. Authorization can be revoked if the conditions for issuing your ETIAS no longer apply or if you are found to have violated any of the ETIAS rules and regulations.

Which European countries do not require ETIAS?

• In the EU: Only Ireland does not require ETIAS (it maintains its own visa system).
  
• Outside the EU: Non-ETIAS countries include the UK, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Balkan states like Serbia or Montenegro.

Important: Microstates like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City don't issue ETIAS, but because you must pass through neighbouring ETIAS countries (France, Italy, Spain) to reach them, you will still need ETIAS approval to get there.

👉 Confused by European borders? Read our quick guide to understand the differences between Europe, the EU, and the Schengen Zone.