Travelling with ETIAS
Traveling to the Schengen Area with ETIAS will be similar to traveling to the United States with an ESTA authorization today: before you leave, you’ll need to apply for an electronic authorization linked to your passport. It is not a visa, but rather a pre-travel authorization for people from countries that are eligible for visa-free entry. Which countries are those? HERE is the complete list of all countries whose citizens must complete an ETIAS application before traveling to any Schengen country.
What would the process look like, step by step?
1. Apply for ETIAS online
Once the system is up and running, you’ll fill out a form with your personal information, passport details, and travel information. The application will be submitted through the official EU website or app.
2. Pay the fee.
The official fee is expected to be €20. Individuals under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee, as are certain individuals who meet the exemption criteria based on a family relationship with an EU citizen.
3. Wait for authorization.
Most applications should be processed within minutes, although some cases may take up to 30 days. The authorization will be linked to your passport, so you won’t need to print it.
4. Travel and go through border control.
The transportation company may verify that you have authorization. Upon arrival, border authorities will check your passport and may ask you about the purpose of your trip, your accommodations, or your financial resources.
How long can you travel for?
Stay: up to 90 days within any 180-day period (twice a year recommended).
Validity: up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Entries (controlled by the EES): You may enter multiple times as long as the authorization remains valid and you comply with the stay limit.
Work: ETIAS does not allow you to work or reside for an extended period (controlled by EES)
Note: ETIAS and EES are not the same thing
The EES is the entry/exit registration system, which has been fully operational since April 10, 2026. For certain non-EU travelers, it records passport data, a facial image, and fingerprints at the border. ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorization once it becomes operational.
ETIAS—SEIAV—is here to stay and will take effect sooner rather than later.