The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting from 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.
ETIAS in a nutshell
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation
You can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptionsEN•••.
Processing your ETIAS application
Most applications are processed within minutes.
It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
Once you have applied
You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.
When you get your ETIAS travel authorisation please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here.
If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appealEN•••, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.
Validity period of your ETIAS
Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires – whichever comes first.
It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.
On arrival at the border
As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry.When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditionsEN•••. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.
More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available hereEN•••.
Your ETIAS check-list
- Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
- Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
- Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid
- Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
- Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS – you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
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