From early 2025 the rules of European travel are set to change. 30 European countries that many international travellers can currently access visa-free for a short stay will soon require a travel authorisation to enter.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic visa entry authorisation that will be linked to the passports of those travelling to the EU. Visitors will apply once before they travel and this authorisation will be valid either
- For up to 3 years, or
- Until your travel documentation expires or becomes invalid for EU travel,
whichever comes first.
The ETIAS will be a requirement for accessing the following 30 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
It will give access for short stays and for as many times as you want while it is valid (normally for up to 90 days in any 180 day period).
Who needs one to travel?
Nationals of visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to the 30 countries listed above. This means that if you are a national of any of the countries below, you will need to apply for an ETIAS:
Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Who won’t need one to travel?
Typically, anyone who is not a national of the 59 countries above will not need an ETIAS to travel. This includes
- Nationals or holders of a residence permit of countries requiring ETIAS (who will not need documentation to travel) and
- Nationals of countries who currently need a visa to travel to countries requiring ETIAS (where a visa will continue to be a requirement).
There are some other exemptions, including intra-corporate transferees who are in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU.
How do you apply?
As ETIAS is not currently in operation, you cannot apply yet. However, when it comes into force you will be able to apply on the ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app.
Most applications will be processed within minutes. However it is possible that some may take up to 4 days. In some cases you may be requested to provide further documentation, which could extend the process potentially to as long as 30 days. Bear this in mind when making your application and ensure you apply in advance
Is there a fee?
Yes, the cost will be EUR 7. However some individuals will be exempt from making payment, including those who are:
- Under the age of 18 at the time of application
- Over the age of 70 at the time of application
- Family members of EU nationals or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely through the European Union.
What happens at the border?
When you arrive, you must bring with you the travel document that you used to apply for the ETIAS.
Please note, having a valid ETIAS does not give you any automatic right to enter the country and you must follow all other immigration rules.
For more information on ETIAS you can go to their website.
**Please note, the ETIAS system is not currently live and an exact date of initiation is yet to be determined.**
