ETIAS stands for: European Travel Information and Authorization System.

ETIAS is not a visa requirement, but a pre-departure check for the Schengen Area, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. An ETIAS must be applied for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

ETIAS will enter into force at the end of 2026.

The ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for citizens who previously could travel to Europe without a visa. Now, citizens of these 59 visa-exempt countries must have an ETIAS. Only with an approved ETIAS can they travel to one of these 30 European countries.

The system is similar to other travel authorization systems such as the American ESTA and the United Kingdom's ETA.

Citizens of these 59 countries must apply for an ETIAS.

An ETIAS must be applied for, for these 30 European countries. Without an ETIAS, entry will be denied upon arrival.

A decision on an application can be made within minutes. Sometimes it takes longer. In any case, you will receive a notification within 96 hours whether your ETIAS application has been granted, denied, or requires additional information or documentation. The process can take up to 30 days. Therefore, it is important to submit your application on time.

The ETIAS is an addition to the entry requirements already in place under the Schengen Borders Code. The ETIAS alone does not grant entry. At the border, it must be demonstrated that all requirements have been met.

Therefore, the following must be in order and present upon entry:

• ETIAS approval
• Sufficient means of subsistence for the intended trip
• Purpose of trip
• Hotel reservation/destination
• Travel insurance

• Family members of EU citizens who do not themselves hold EU citizenship.
• Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit.
• Foreign nationals holding a valid Schengen C or D visa.