Entry requirements for many European countries will be changing soon. If you are currently able to travel to Europe visa-free, here's how the new ETIAS system may affect you.
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Travelers from certain visa-exempt countries will soon need travel authorization to enter 30 European countries.
If you plan to visit Europe in 2025, you should take the time to read up on the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
- What is ETIAS and how does it work?
- When will ETIAS start?
- How to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization
- Who needs to get an ETIAS travel authorization?
- Countries that will require ETIAS for entry
- Benefits of ETIAS
- ETA: New entry requirement for the UK
What is ETIAS and how does it work?
ETIAS is a fully electronic process that allows and keeps track of visitors from those countries who aren’t required to have a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. It will apply to residents from more than 60 countries who have previously been able to cross the border visa-free.
The ETIAS travel authorization is not a visa – it’s more like a visa-waiver and is linked to your passport. If granted, this visa-waiver will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, a traveler can stay in the European country requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Keep in mind, having an ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee entry to those countries. You will still need to meet the other entry requirements a specific country may have.
When will ETIAS start?
An official start date has not been announced, but ETIAS is due to start six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is launched sometime in 2025. EES is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals who are entering the EU for a short stay.
How to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization
Travelers will be asked to apply via the official ETIAS website or mobile app. Each applicant will undergo a detailed security check to determine their status for entry into any of the Schengen Zone countries. In many cases, applications are processed within minutes, but it can take up to 14 days if more information is requested, or up to 30 days if an interview is required.
Application for most travelers costs €7.
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Who needs to get an ETIAS travel authorization?
If you’re a national from one of these visa-exempt countries, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. Residents from some countries or territories may need to provide specific or additional travel documents.
Countries that will require ETIAS for entry
The 30 European countries that will require travelers to hold a valid ETIAS upon arrival at their borders are:
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.
Benefits of ETIAS
ETIAS works to identify any security threats by gathering information and updating data relating to a specific visitor to determine their suitability for entry in the EU.
It was designed by the EU to address terrorism and migration issues, tightening up borders and working to make travel within the member countries safer.
Along with decreasing security concerns and detecting potential threats, it is expected that the new ETIAS will also help:
- Reduce procedures and application times
- Improve the management of EU country borders
- Assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism
- Impede irregular migration
- Reinforce the visa liberalization policy of the EU
ETA: New entry requirement for the UK
The UK will not require an ETIAS travel authorization for entry. But as of January 8, 2025, travelers visiting the UK will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies to all travelers (including babies and children) visiting for less than six months.
The ETA acts as a pre-clearance for travel. It’s valid for two years and covers multiple trips. Applications can be made via the UK ETA app (strongly encouraged) or online. Processing takes around three working days, sometimes longer, so don’t wait until the last minute. The fee for applying is £10.
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