ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a new travel authorization system that is expected to be implemented in 2025. It will be required for travelers from most countries that currently have visa-free travel agreements with the European Union. The purpose of ETIAS is to improve border security and control illegal immigration while also simplifying the process for travelers.
Once ETIAS is implemented, travelers from 59 out of the 62 countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe will be required to obtain an ETIAS waiver before their trip. The three countries exempt from this requirement are the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Romania, as they are not part of the Schengen Area, which is the group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls.
The ETIAS waiver will be mandatory for those traveling to the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or transit purposes and planning to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS waiver before their trip, providing their personal and travel information, as well as answering security-related questions.
The ETIAS waiver will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of the traveler’s passport, whichever comes first. Once obtained, it will allow multiple entries to the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it is important to note that an ETIAS waiver does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area, as travelers will still need to meet the immigration requirements upon arrival.
ETIAS will affect most travelers from countries with visa-free travel agreements with the European Union. It is important to stay informed about the implementation of ETIAS and to apply for an ETIAS waiver in a timely manner before traveling to Europe.
- Beginning from 2025, an ETIAS will be a requirement for traveling to any of these areas.
- The following countries within the Schengen area do not require an ETIAS
- Areas outside the Schengen area. ETIAS waiver not required
ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa
In order to enter and travel within the 27 Schengen countries, certain countries will need to obtain either an ETIAS authorization or a Schengen Visa. Although the two serve a similar purpose, there are differences between the two that should be noted.
| Feature | ETIAS | Schengen Visa |
| Applies to | Visa-free countries | Countries not eligible for ETIAS |
| Application process | Electronic travel waiver and authorization | Visa entered manually into passport |
| Validity | Valid for 3 years | Valid for single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry depending on the type of visa |
| Duration of stay | Up to 90 days within a 180-day period | Up to 90 days in one specific country within the Schengen area |
| Purpose of visit | Tourism, business, medical, transit | Same as ETIAS |
| Cost | €7 | Varies by country and type of visa |
| Processing time | Typically within minutes | Varies by country and type of visa |
| Entry and exit | Multiple entry allowed | Single entry, double entry, or multiple entry depending on the type of visa |
| Eligibility | Citizens of visa-free countries | Citizens of non-visa-free countries |
| Required documents | Valid passport, travel itinerary | Valid passport, travel itinerary, travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation and financial means |
| Country coverage | Covers all Schengen member states | Depends on the specific visa issued |
| Purpose of the system | Security and border control measure | Facilitation of travel for visitors |
Applies to
ETIAS applies to citizens of countries that are allowed to enter the EU without a visa, while the Schengen visa is for citizens of countries that require a visa to enter the Schengen area. This means that citizens of eligible countries can use ETIAS to enter any Schengen country without a visa, while citizens of non-eligible countries must apply for a Schengen visa for each country they plan to visit.
Application process
ETIAS can be applied for online, while the Schengen visa application requires a manual process where the visa is added to the passport. The online application process for ETIAS is relatively quick and straightforward, while the Schengen visa application process can be more time-consuming and requires an in-person visit to the embassy or consulate.
Validity
ETIAS is valid for three years from the date of issue, while the validity of a Schengen visa varies based on the type of visa and can be for a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. This means that ETIAS holders can travel to any Schengen country multiple times within three years, while Schengen visa holders must adhere to the entry conditions specified in their visa.
Duration of stay
ETIAS allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in any Schengen country, while the Schengen visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days in a specific Schengen country. This means that ETIAS holders can freely travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while Schengen visa holders must stay within the country specified in their visa.
Purpose of visit
Both ETIAS and the Schengen visa can be used for various purposes, such as tourism, business, medical, and transit. This means that both types of visas can be used for a variety of reasons for visiting the Schengen area.
Cost
ETIAS costs €7, while the cost of the Schengen visa varies based on the country and type of visa. This means that ETIAS is significantly cheaper than the Schengen visa, making it a more cost-effective option for eligible travelers.
Processing time
ETIAS can be processed within minutes, while the processing time for the Schengen visa varies based on the country and type of visa. This means that ETIAS holders can obtain their visa waiver quickly and easily, while Schengen visa holders may need to wait several weeks for their visa to be processed.
Entry and exit
ETIAS allows for multiple entries into the Schengen area, while the Schengen visa can be for a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. This means that ETIAS holders can travel in and out of the Schengen area as many times as they want within the validity period, while Schengen visa holders must adhere to the entry conditions specified in their visa.
Eligibility
Citizens of visa-free countries are eligible for ETIAS, while citizens of non-visa-free countries are eligible for the Schengen visa. This means that citizens of eligible countries can obtain an ETIAS visa waiver quickly and easily, while citizens of non-eligible countries must go through a more extensive visa application process.
Required documents
Both ETIAS and the Schengen visa require a valid passport and travel itinerary. However, the Schengen visa also requires additional documents such as travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means. This means that Schengen visa holders must provide additional documentation to prove their ability to finance their stay and cover any potential medical expenses.
Country coverage
ETIAS covers all member states of the Schengen area, while the coverage of the Schengen visa depends on the specific visa issued. This means that ETIAS holders can travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries without the need for additional visas, while Schengen visa holders must check their visa type to see which countries they are allowed to enter.
Purpose of the system
ETIAS is primarily used for security and border control purposes, while the Schengen visa is designed to facilitate travel for visitors to the Schengen area. The ETIAS system is designed to help improve the security of the Schengen area by pre-screening travelers and identifying potential security risks before they enter the EU. On the other hand, the Schengen visa system aims to promote travel and tourism in the Schengen area by allowing eligible travelers to visit multiple countries without the need for additional visas.