ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — is not yet operational, and as of 15 September 2026 applications are not being accepted. The EU's official travel portal says ETIAS is expected to start operating in the last quarter of 2026. The specific launch date will be announced in advance.
Who will need ETIAS
ETIAS will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay to 30 European countries. The authorisation will be linked to the traveller's passport. It is not a replacement for a visa for travellers who normally require one.
EU citizens do not apply for ETIAS when travelling within the EU/Schengen area with their EU passport or identity document. The requirement is aimed at eligible visa-exempt travellers from outside the EU.
How much will ETIAS cost
The official application fee is EUR 20, although some categories of travellers are exempt from paying it. Applications will be made through the official ETIAS website or the official mobile application.
How long will it be valid
An approved ETIAS travel authorisation will be valid for up to three years, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. A new passport requires a new ETIAS authorisation.
ETIAS does not change the normal short-stay limit: generally up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How long will an application take
According to the official EU information, most applications are expected to be processed within minutes. Some cases can require additional checks and take longer, so travellers should not plan to apply only at the moment of departure.
How to avoid ETIAS scams
While ETIAS is not operational, official applications are not being collected. Websites that already promise an “activated ETIAS”, “pre-ETIAS” or guaranteed authorisation for a fee are not the live official application process.
Once ETIAS launches, use the European Union's official travel-europe.europa.eu portal or the official ETIAS mobile app. Check the web address before entering passport or payment information.
Practical pre-travel checklist
1. Check whether your nationality is among the visa-exempt nationalities that will require ETIAS. 2. Do not apply until the EU officially announces that ETIAS is operational. 3. Apply using the passport you will actually travel with. 4. Check your passport expiry date because the authorisation is tied to that document. 5. Do not treat ETIAS as a guarantee of entry: border authorities still check the entry conditions. 6. Before departure, re-check the official ETIAS portal for the confirmed launch date and current rules.
The key point as of 15 September 2026
ETIAS is upcoming, not live. Its launch is planned for the final quarter of 2026, but the exact operational date still needs to be officially confirmed. Until then, do not pay for an “ETIAS application” or provide passport data to unofficial services claiming that applications are already open.
