Planning a trip to Europe in late 2026 or beyond?
Planning a trip to Europe in late 2026 or beyond? ETIAS is expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. It is not currently in operation, and applications are not yet being accepted. The European Union will announce the official launch date several months before the system begins.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 participating European countries. It is not a visa. The authorization will be linked electronically to the traveler’s passport and will generally remain valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers may use an approved ETIAS for multiple short visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
U.S. citizens and travelers from other visa-exempt countries will generally need an ETIAS authorization when visiting participating European countries for a short stay. ETIAS is not currently required because the system has not launched. Travelers do not need to apply or take any action at this time.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Once applications open, travelers will need a valid passport or qualifying travel document and a payment card. The application will request personal and contact information, passport details, education and employment information, intended travel details and answers to certain security and background questions. The passport should not be more than 10 years old and should remain valid for at least three months beyond the traveler’s intended departure from Europe.
The ETIAS application fee will be €20. Applicants under age 18 or over age 70 will not be required to pay the fee. Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes. Some decisions may take up to four days, up to 14 additional days when documents are requested, or up to 30 days when an interview is required.
Unlock privileged offers, curated travel experiences, and elevated inspiration—delivered directly to your inbox.
