Your Ultimate ETIAS FAQ Guide

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the European Union’s (EU) new travel authorisation that visa-exempt visitors—including UK nationals—will need to enter most European countries from the last quarter of 2026.

This guide answers the most searched ETIAS application questions, covering how ETIAS works for Europe trips, ETIAS requirements for UK travellers, stay limits within the 180-day period and special rules for destinations such as Cyprus.

About ETIAS

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a new digital system designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers before they enter most European countries.

You will need an approved ETIAS to travel to 30 countries across the EU and Schengen area, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The system checks your details against security databases before allowing travel.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a short-stay travel authorisation linked to your passport or other valid travel document.

You must apply online before departure. Once approved, your ETIAS allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The requirement applies to travellers from visa-free countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.

When will ETIAS be required?

The EU plans to launch ETIAS in the last quarter of 2026. No applications are being accepted yet.

You will be able to apply through the official ETIAS website or the mobile app. These will be announced by the EU before the system goes live.

Until then, no application form or process is available. The European Commission has confirmed it will notify the public several months ahead of the start date.

Once active, you should complete the application process before booking flights or accommodation.

Most applications are expected to be approved in minutes. Some may take longer if further checks are needed.

What does ETIAS check?

Your application details will be screened through multiple EU security databases. These include the Schengen Information System (SIS), Visa Information System (VIS), and Interpol data.

If there are no alerts or risks flagged, your ETIAS should be granted quickly. If more information is needed, authorities may contact you for additional documents or an interview.

Having an approved ETIAS does not guarantee entry. Border guards will still check your travel document and decide if you meet entry conditions.

How long can you stay in Europe with ETIAS?

With an approved ETIAS, you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This time limit applies across the entire Schengen zone, not per country.

If you overstay, your details may be flagged, affecting future travel. Border checks are automated through the Entry-Exit System (EES), which monitors all ETIAS entries and exits.

Cyprus calculates stay periods separately. That means a trip to Cyprus does not affect your 90-day limit for other ETIAS countries, and vice versa.

Who Needs an ETIAS Travel Authorisation?

Who needs ETIAS?

If you are from a visa-free country and plan to visit European countries for a short stay, you will need ETIAS. This includes UK nationals, even after Brexit.

You must hold a travel document valid for at least three months after departure. It should not be more than 10 years old.

If you already have a visa or residence permit for a country in the Schengen area, you do not need to apply.

Which countries require ETIAS to enter?

If you’re travelling to most EU or Schengen zone countries, you’ll need an ETIAS travel authorisation. This applies even if you’ve previously entered these destinations without any pre-registration.

The system covers 30 countries, including popular holiday spots and transit hubs. Some of these countries are EU members, while others, like Norway and Switzerland, are not part of the EU but are in the Schengen area.

Here’s a full list of European countries that will require ETIAS:

If your destination is on this list and you don’t hold a visa or residence permit, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before travelling.

Who is exempt from ETIAS?

Not everyone will need to apply. Some travellers are exempt based on their nationality, legal residence, or travel purpose.

You don’t need an ETIAS travel authorisation if:

• You are a national of one of the 30 countries listed above.
• You already hold a valid Schengen visa.
• You have a residence permit or card issued by any ETIAS country.
• You are a UK national covered under the Withdrawal Agreement.
• You hold a diplomatic, service or special passport recognised under EU agreements.
• You travel with a local border traffic permit and stay within its zone.
• You are a refugee or stateless person with a travel document from an ETIAS country.

In some cases, exemptions also apply to crew members, emergency staff, and NATO personnel. Check with the consulate of your destination country for confirmation.

Do UK citizens need an ETIAS to travel?

UK citizens must apply for ETIAS to enter any of the 30 listed European countries for short stays.

This includes tourists, business travellers, and those transiting through the Schengen zone. The rule applies to all British passport holders, unless you’re a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement and hold proof of residence in an EU state.

The ETIAS is not required for stays in Ireland, as it is not part of the Schengen area or ETIAS scheme.

Can you travel with ETIAS if you’re from a visa-required country?

If you’re from a visa-required country but meet certain conditions, you may be allowed to enter with an ETIAS instead of a visa.

This can apply to:

• Students on school trips travelling with their class and teacher
• Recognised refugees or stateless persons living in visa-exempt countries
• Travellers whose personal situation exempts them from needing a Schengen visa

To qualify, all of the following must be true:

1. You are exempt from needing a visa for every country on your itinerary.
2. You are travelling in an organised group or for a defined purpose.
3. You hold a valid travel document issued by a visa-exempt country.

Before you travel, check with the consulates of the countries you plan to visit. If any one of them requires a visa in your case, you cannot use ETIAS.

Who has to pay the ETIAS application fee?

The application fee is €20 for most travellers. Payment is made online during the application process.

You are exempt from paying if:

• You are under 18 or over 70
• You are a family member of an EU citizen with the right to move freely

Keep your payment confirmation email. While not required for boarding, it may help if your application is delayed or reviewed.

How Does the ETIAS Application Process Work?

Where do you apply for ETIAS?

You must apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. These are the only secure channels recognised by the EU.

Applications are submitted entirely online. There is no paper form and no need to visit an embassy or consulate.

Once available, the system will be open to all eligible visa-exempt travellers. You can apply from any location with internet access.

Your ETIAS is linked digitally to your passport, so you must use the same document when travelling.

What information do you need to complete the ETIAS application?

To complete the application, you will need a valid biometric passport. This is the travel document your ETIAS will be tied to.

You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the application fee and access to a personal email address.

The form will ask for the following:

• Full name and date of birth
• Place of birth and nationality
• Passport number and expiry date
• Home address and phone number
• Parents’ names
• Current job and education details
• First intended country of entry
• Travel history to conflict zones
• Criminal record, if applicable

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:

If you’re applying on someone else’s behalf, you’ll need to provide your name, relationship to the traveller, and contact details. A signed declaration of representation is also required.

How much does ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS application fee is €20. Payment must be made online at the time of submission.

You won’t be able to proceed without completing the payment. Most major cards are accepted.

Some travellers do not have to pay. This includes applicants under 18, over 70, and qualifying family members of EU citizens.

The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

How long does it take for my ETIAS application to get approved?

Most applicants will receive a decision within minutes. You’ll get an email confirming your ETIAS status shortly after submission.

If your details trigger a match in security databases, your application may be manually reviewed. This could take up to 96 hours.

In rare cases, you may be asked to submit extra documents or attend an interview. That process can extend the timeline to 30 days.

You will be informed by email if further steps are needed.

Can someone apply for an ETIAS on your behalf?

A family member, friend, or travel agency can apply for the ETIAS for you if you give them permission.

You’ll both need to sign a declaration of representation. This gives them the legal right to handle your ETIAS application.

You should still check the final form before it’s submitted. If the passport number or personal data is incorrect, the ETIAS may be invalid.

Always ensure that your own email address is used in the application. This allows you to receive updates and manage the authorisation later.

What happens after you submit the ETIAS application form?

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application number. Save this in case you need to track the status or appeal a decision.

Once approved, your valid ETIAS will be digitally linked to your passport. You don’t need to print anything, but you must travel with the same passport used in the application.

If your passport expires, your ETIAS becomes invalid, even if it’s still within the three-year validity window.

Before departure, your airline or bus company will verify your ETIAS status. If your authorization is missing or invalid, you won’t be allowed to board.

At the border, officers will scan your passport to confirm that your ETIAS is valid and active. If everything matches, you can enter without delays.

ETIAS Validity, Travel Rules, and Border Checks

How long is an ETIAS valid?

A valid ETIAS is good for up to three years. It becomes invalid sooner if your passport expires before that.

Your ETIAS is linked electronically to your travel document. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS.

The validity period is not extended or transferred. Even if you still have time left on your current authorization, it cannot be used with a different passport.

Each time you enter a country, border control will confirm your ETIAS is valid and matches your travel document. If the details don’t align, entry will be denied.

How long can you stay in Europe with ETIAS?

You can stay in participating EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This limit applies to the entire region, not per country.

The 180-day period is a rolling window. That means every day you are in the region, officials will look back 180 days to count your total stay.

If you reach the 90-day limit, you must leave and remain outside for enough days to reset your count. Overstaying may result in fines, bans, or refused entry on future trips.

Cyprus is an exception. Time spent there is counted separately from time spent in the rest of the ETIAS countries.

Can you enter the EU without a valid ETIAS?

If you need ETIAS to enter the EU and don’t have one, you will be refused boarding or denied entry at the border.

This applies even if you are only transiting through the region. Airlines, ferry operators, and coach companies must verify your status before allowing you to travel.

ETIAS does not replace national entry rules. It works as a pre-screening layer, not as a visa or residence permit.

If you arrive at the border with an expired ETIAS, incorrect travel document, or mismatched passport details, border guards will block your entry.

What happens during border checks?

Border checks in member states use a combination of automated systems and manual review. The EES tracks when you enter and leave the region.

Your passport will be scanned to confirm your ETIAS status and track your length of stay. If everything checks out, you’ll be allowed through.

If there are issues, you may be questioned about your plans, finances, accommodation, or return ticket. You might also be asked to provide supporting documents.

The final decision always rests with border security. They can deny access if they believe you don’t meet entry conditions, even with a valid ETIAS.

Which rules should you follow while travelling with ETIAS?

You must follow all local laws during your visit. ETIAS does not give you the right to work or stay long-term in any EU country.

If your circumstances change—like losing your passport or having it stolen—you need to apply for a new ETIAS. You cannot transfer your existing authorisation.

Always carry the passport that was used in your ETIAS application. Entry is only possible with the document linked to your approval.

Your ETIAS must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay. If it expires while you’re in Europe, you may be considered in breach of entry conditions.

Here’s a quick reference for key travel rules:

Border control systems are being upgraded across Europe. This includes automated gates and fingerprint scanning under the new Entry-Exit System.

Together, ETIAS and EES form part of the EU’s digital border security strategy. These systems aim to reduce illegal entry, track overstays, and streamline crossings for low-risk travellers.

Make sure your ETIAS is valid, your passport is correct, and your travel plans are clear. This helps avoid delays or problems at the border.

Common ETIAS Issues and How to Avoid Them

What if you make a mistake on your ETIAS application?

Mistakes in your ETIAS application can lead to delays, rejections, or denied entry at the border. The most common errors involve your name, passport number, or travel dates.

Always double-check the information before you submit the form. If someone else applies for you, ask for a copy of the draft application.

Minor typos may be fixed by requesting a correction, but this process can take up to 30 days. For serious errors, like a wrong nationality or passport number, you’ll need to submit a new application.

If you change your name, gender, or citizenship, or replace a lost passport, your ETIAS becomes invalid. You’ll need to apply again using the new document.

Why might an ETIAS application be refused?

Your ETIAS can be refused if your travel document is flagged, expired, or reported stolen. It can also be denied if the system finds a match in security or immigration databases.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Using an invalid or mismatched passport
• Failing to reply to requests for more documents
• Criminal convictions that affect eligibility
• A past entry ban or overstay in the Schengen zone
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect data

If your application is denied, you’ll be informed by email with a reason and information on how to appeal. Appeals are handled by the authorities of the country that processed your application.

What should you do if your ETIAS is refused?

You cannot enter any ETIAS country without approval. If your application is refused, you should not travel until the issue is resolved.

The email you receive will explain why your application was rejected. It will also give instructions for appealing or reapplying.

In most cases, the fastest solution is to submit a new application with corrected information. This is especially true for administrative issues like typos or wrong details.

If your refusal was due to security or immigration concerns, a new application is unlikely to succeed unless your circumstances have changed.

You can apply for a limited-validity ETIAS in urgent cases, such as attending a funeral or court hearing. These are granted under strict conditions and must be requested through the appropriate consulate.

What happens if your ETIAS expires mid-trip?

Your ETIAS must remain valid throughout your stay. If it expires while you’re in Europe, you risk violating entry conditions.

Always check your ETIAS expiry date before traveling. If your passport is due to expire, renew it first—then apply for a new ETIAS.

You can apply for a new authorization up to 120 days before your current one expires. Once a new passport is issued, the old ETIAS becomes void even if time remains.

To avoid problems, use this checklist:

• Renew your passport if it’s expiring soon
• Check your ETIAS expiry date before booking travel
• Apply early if your document is set to expire within the next few months
• Keep your travel dates within the authorised 90-day window

Can previous travel problems affect your ETIAS?

Past travel issues such as overstaying in the EU, deportation, or denied entry can impact your ETIAS application.

The system checks for alerts linked to immigration, security, and health risks. If you’ve been flagged under the visa waiver or ESTA systems in the past, this may affect your ETIAS status.

If you’ve overstayed in the Schengen zone before, your application could be refused automatically. A prior visa refusal or deportation record may also appear in the system.

There’s no automatic ban for past issues, but each case is reviewed based on risk. Be honest in your application—false statements can lead to annulment or bans.

How can you avoid ETIAS problems?

Most issues come from preventable mistakes or expired documents. Double-checking your details and applying early will help avoid delays.

Use the same passport throughout the process. Do not switch documents between applying and travelling.

If applying on behalf of someone else, confirm their data is complete and accurate. Make sure the email used is accessible to the traveller.

Keep a record of your ETIAS approval and save the application number. This helps if there are any last-minute checks at the airport.

ETIAS and Special Traveller Categories

Do students and workers need ETIAS?

If you’re visiting Europe for a short course, seminar, or work meeting, you need to apply for ETIAS. The travel authorisation covers tourism, transit, and short business or study trips under 90 days.

It does not allow you to take a job or enroll in a long-term academic programme. For work or study beyond the 90-day limit, you must apply for a national visa from the country you’re entering.

If you’re from a visa-required country but part of an organised school trip from a visa-exempt state, you may be eligible for ETIAS. In that case, your travel must meet all exemption criteria and you must travel with your group and teacher.

Do children need their own ETIAS?

Every traveller, including minors, must have their own ETIAS.

Children cannot be included in a parent’s application or passport. A parent or legal guardian must complete the form and sign the declaration.

There is no application fee for applicants under 18. You must still ensure that the child’s travel document is valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date.

Even babies must carry a biometric passport and their own ETIAS when entering the EU.

What are the ETIAS rules for refugees and stateless persons?

If you live in an EU country and have a travel document issued by that country, you do not need ETIAS. You can travel freely using that national document.

If you are a recognised refugee or stateless person living in a visa-exempt country, you may still need ETIAS. Your eligibility depends on the type of document you hold and the country that issued it.

You must check whether the country you’re travelling to recognises your travel document. If not, you may need a visa instead of ETIAS.

Before booking a trip, contact the consulates of all countries you intend to visit to confirm their entry requirements.

Is ETIAS required for airport transit?

You do not need ETIAS if you remain in the international transit zone of the airport. If you leave the zone or switch terminals that require passport control, then ETIAS becomes mandatory.

This rule applies even if you’re in the airport for a short time. The moment you cross into the Schengen area, you’re subject to its entry conditions.

If your final destination is outside the EU but your layover involves entering the Schengen zone, you must have a valid ETIAS.

It’s best to confirm transit rules with your airline and departure airport. Not all airports have full international zones, so plan accordingly.

Can you travel with ETIAS if you have multiple nationalities?

If one of your nationalities is from an EU country or a member state requiring ETIAS, your entry may depend on the passport you use.

You should apply for ETIAS with the travel document you plan to use for entry. If that passport is from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for ETIAS.

You cannot switch passports during your trip. The passport used to apply must be the same one presented at the border.

Switching passports after your ETIAS is approved invalidates the authorisation. In that case, you’ll need to reapply.

Are diplomats or official passport holders required to get ETIAS?

In most cases, holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports are exempt from ETIAS. This applies when your country has a bilateral agreement with the EU that waives visa or ETIAS requirements.

The exemption only applies to official travel. If you’re travelling for personal reasons, you may still need to apply for a travel authorization.

To avoid issues at the border, check with your embassy or consulate before travelling. Entry rules can vary by country.

Exemptions do not apply if the passport is not recognised by the destination country. Always confirm with the consulate of the first country you plan to visit.

Can military or emergency personnel travel without ETIAS?

Members of NATO or rescue services may be allowed entry without ETIAS if travelling on official orders. These include peacekeeping forces, disaster response teams, and border support units.

To qualify, you must carry the correct military or mission documents. You may still be asked to show your orders at the border.

These exemptions are granted under specific agreements. If you are travelling for personal reasons, you must apply for ETIAS like any other traveller.

ETIAS vs. EES

What is the main difference between ETIAS and EES?

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for short-term stays in most European countries. You must apply and be approved before departure.

EES is a border control system that records when and where you enter and exit Schengen countries. It replaces manual passport stamping with digital logs.

ETIAS checks your background before you travel, while EES tracks your actual movements once you’re inside the region. Both systems work together to strengthen EU border management.

Do you need to apply for EES like you do for ETIAS?

You do not apply for EES.

EES is automatic. When you arrive at the border, your travel details are recorded using fingerprint scans, facial images, and passport data.

Unlike ETIAS, there is no application form or fee. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance to be registered in EES.

The process takes place at the border crossing itself. Border officers or self-service gates handle everything.

When do ETIAS and EES apply?

ETIAS applies to visa-exempt nationals from countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Australia. It’s needed for short-term stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

You must have an approved ETIAS before you enter any participating country. Without it, you can’t board your flight or cross the border.

EES applies to all non-EU citizens entering Schengen countries for short stays, whether they have a visa or are travelling under ETIAS. It checks whether you’ve overstayed or entered illegally.

Once fully launched, both systems will be active at the same time. ETIAS screens you before your trip, and EES monitors you after arrival.

What data does each system collect?

ETIAS collects your personal data, passport information, travel plans, and background history. This includes questions about criminal records, past travel to war zones, and immigration issues.

EES stores biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial scan. It also records your time of entry, exit, and any refusal to cross the border.

Here’s how the two systems compare:

Does EES affect how long you can stay?

EES automatically calculates your allowable time in the Schengen area based on your actual entry and exit dates.

If you exceed the 90-day limit in any 180-day period, the system will flag you. This can lead to denied entry, fines, or bans on future travel.

ETIAS does not track your days in Europe. It simply allows you to enter if you’re eligible. EES handles the timekeeping and alerts border officials if you’ve overstayed.

If you visit often or travel between multiple countries, EES makes it easier for authorities to track whether you’re following the rules.

Do ETIAS and EES apply to the same countries?

ETIAS covers 30 countries, including Schengen and Cyrus, a non-Schengen member.

EES only applies to the Schengen countries. These include France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and others that share open internal borders.

So if you’re visiting Cyprus, you’ll need ETIAS once it launches, but EES rules won’t apply yet. The country is expected to join EES later.

Check your destination’s status before travelling. Not all EU countries follow the same timelines for EES implementation.

Why are both ETIAS and EES being introduced?

The EU wants to modernize its borders while maintaining security and convenience. ETIAS filters travellers before arrival, while EES replaces manual passport checks with digital tools.

Together, the two systems reduce paperwork, prevent overstays, and catch people travelling under false identities. They’re modeled after similar programs like the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA.

If you’re visiting Europe under a visa waiver, you’ll use ETIAS to enter and EES to exit. Both systems are mandatory, even for short trips.

Make sure to apply early and keep your travel records clear. Once in place, these systems will become part of every trip to Schengen countries.

Get Ready for ETIAS Before Your Next Europe Trip

ETIAS will change how visitors enter Europe from 2026, so preparing early helps avoid last‑minute issues. The application is fast, digital, and secure when completed through official EU channels, giving you a simple way to meet the new entry rules. 

Make sure your passport is valid well beyond your travel dates and keep an eye on EU updates as the launch approaches. Check if your nationality requires ETIAS and prepare now for smoother travel across Europe.