Schengen ETIAS guide

The basics

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a travel authorisation, not a visa. As of this guide's last verified date, the official EU ETIAS website states that it is currently not in operation and that no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch.

Validity

Up to three years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first, per the official EU ETIAS website.

Stay per entry

Normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry is not guaranteed and is decided by border guards.

Where you apply

Not yet open. Once operating, the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application, per the official EU ETIAS website.

Fee

EUR 20, though the official EU ETIAS website says some travellers are exempt from paying.

Who it's for

The official EU ETIAS website describes ETIAS as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of 30 European countries. Check whether your nationality is visa-exempt before relying on this.

Fee exemptions exist for some travellers, according to the official ETIAS site, which refers to a separate page on payment exemptions. The categories are not listed in the text reviewed.

• ETIAS is linked to a single passport. A new passport requires a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
• Stays in Cyprus are calculated separately and do not count towards the 90 days in the other countries requiring ETIAS, per the official EU ETIAS website.

How to apply

Applications are not currently being accepted. Once ETIAS starts, the official EU ETIAS website says the form can be completed on that website or in the ETIAS mobile application. Apply through official channels only.

• Applicants receive an email confirming submission with a unique application number, which should be kept for reference.
• A second email gives the outcome. Most applications are processed within minutes. If it takes longer, a decision is due within four days.
• That period can be extended by up to 14 days if additional information or documents are requested, or up to 30 days if an interview is required.
• If refused, the email gives the reasons and information on how to appeal, the competent authority and the time limit.
• The official site advises applying well in advance, before buying tickets or booking accommodation.

Documents

The full application document list was not included in the official page text reviewed. The official ETIAS site has a separate page on what you need to apply.

• Passport valid for three months after the intended departure from the countries requiring ETIAS. The official site says entry will be refused otherwise, and notes that exceptions apply.
• Carry the same passport used in the ETIAS application. The official site says that otherwise you will not be allowed to board or enter.
• Passport details must match the ETIAS authorisation. A mistake can mean you are not allowed to cross the border.

Stay and extensions

A valid ETIAS entitles the holder to short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and you can leave and return as often as you want within those limits. The official site says you must hold a valid ETIAS during your entire stay.

Sources reviewed do not state any ETIAS extension process. The European Commission short-stay calculator manual says some Schengen states may allow stays beyond 90 days under older bilateral visa waiver agreements, depending on the state. Which states still apply these was not confirmed.

The Commission's short-stay calculator manual says it is a helping tool only and does not create a right to stay. Border authorities decide the length of stay.

Things to confirm

• The ETIAS launch date. The EU says it will announce the date several months in advance. Check the official EU ETIAS website before travel.
• Whether your nationality is visa-exempt and therefore subject to ETIAS.
• Which travellers are exempt from the fee. The official page refers to payment exemptions without listing them in the text reviewed.
• The full list of documents needed to apply.
• The launch status of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which sources say changes how overstays are detected.

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.