Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Australia is one of the inaugural countries that will be a part of the ETIAS travel authorisation system.
  • Australian citizens can anticipate applying for ETIAS beginning in 2025.
  • Applying for ETIAS using an online application system will be beneficial for Australian citizens.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Applying for ETIAS can be done online by Australian citizens.
  • Arriving in Europe by air, sea, or overland with ETIAS will be valid.
  • A machine-readable e-passport is needed for travelers.
  • Short visits for tourism, business, transit and medical reasons require ETIAS
  • ETIAS will be free of charge for applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years of age.

The ETIAS program, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be implemented starting in 2025. Its main goal is to enhance the security of the European Union (E.U.) by screening individuals who are planning to enter the participating European countries on a short-term basis, for stays of 90 days or less. This will include travelers visiting for general travel, commerce, transit or medical purposes.

The program is being introduced as a response to the global increase in terrorist activities and the need to improve security within the E.U. It will require travelers from certain countries, including Australia, to apply for an ETIAS prior to their arrival in the E.U. This will involve completing an online application and providing personal and biometric information, which will then be checked against various security databases.

The ETIAS program (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), was approved in 2016. It was decided that it would take four years to develop the necessary systems that would integrate with already existing infrastructure and immigration database systems as well as other security information to create a new tool that will seamlessly screen travelers coming to Europe.

In 2025, Australian citizens will be asked to complete an e-visa application known as ETIAS before boarding a plane, ship, or bus to travel to Europe. This new requirement applies to all types of travelers, including those visiting for tourism, commerce, transit or medical reasons, as well as those who will only be passing through Europe on their way to other destinations.

It is important for travelers to note that the ETIAS will be mandatory for all eligible travelers, and failure to apply for and obtain an ETIAS before arriving in the E.U. may result in being denied entry.

If an Australian citizen wants to enter Europe for more than 90 days or for other purposes that are not permitted in the ETIAS visa waiver program, they will need to apply for a Schengen visa. For more information, you can visit https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment.

It is advised that Australian citizens be done with their ETIAS visa waiver application 4 days before their intended departure. Full details can be found by visiting the ETIAS requirements page or the ETIAS FAQ’s.To ensure a smooth application process, it is important and highly advisable to review the ETIAS requirements and FAQs before starting the application. This will help to ensure that the application process is as efficient as possible and that travelers are able to enter Europe without any issues.

From 2025, it will be mandatory for all Australian citizens to apply for an ETIAS before traveling to Europe. Those who hold a passport or travel document with a different status may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead of an ETIAS.

It is important for travelers to verify their citizenship status before applying for an ETIAS, as those who are not full Australian citizens may not be eligible for the ETIAS program and will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Applying for ETIAS as an Australian citizen is a quick and painless process, with most applications being approved and processed within minutes. Once approved, the authorisation will be sent via email in the form of a PDF document. There’s no need to print or present any actual physical documents as the ETIAS authorization is stored electronically in the passport. This means that the ETIAS can be easily accessed and verified by border control officials during your trip to Europe, making the process of entering the country smooth and efficient.

This new process will enhance the security of the European Union by screening individuals who are planning to enter the E.U. on a short-term basis, for stays of 3 months or less. 

Benefits of ETIAS

  • The ETIAS visa is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issue.
  • Travelers can use the authorisation multiple times within this 3 years time period.
  • The ETIAS application process is designed to be quick, with most applications being processed and authorised within minutes. 
  • The ETIAS application process can be completed on various devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. You have the flexibility to apply for ETIAS from any device that has an internet connection.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended that travelers submit their ETIAS application at least 4 days before their scheduled departure time. This will help to ensure that the application is processed and authorised in time for the trip and avoid any delays or issues at the border.
  • If an ETIAS application is denied, the traveler still has the option to apply for a full visitor visa.
  • The final decision of entry to Europe is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, regardless of an ETIAS being held by the traveler.