The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require non-EU nationals — including UK, US, and Australian citizens — to obtain pre-travel authorisation before entering Schengen countries. Here is a complete overview.
What Is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a pre-travel security screening programme being introduced by the European Union. It will apply to visa-exempt third-country nationals — including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens — who wish to travel to Schengen zone countries.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA or the UK ETA. Travellers will need to apply and receive approval before boarding a flight, ferry, or train to the Schengen zone.
Who Needs ETIAS?
ETIAS will be required by citizens of countries that are currently visa-exempt for short stays in the Schengen area. This includes citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and approximately 60 other countries. EU citizens and current Schengen visa holders are exempt.
How to Apply
The ETIAS application will be completed online and is expected to take approximately 10 minutes. Applicants will need a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the application fee (€7 for applicants aged 18–70), and an email address.
Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes. However, some may require additional review taking up to 4 days. In rare cases, an interview may be requested.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Email address for confirmation
- €7 application fee (free for under-18s and over-70s)
- No supporting documents required for standard applications
ETIAS Validity and Conditions
Once granted, an ETIAS authorisation will be valid for 3 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple short stays in any Schengen country not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
An ETIAS authorisation can be revoked at any time if the holder no longer meets the entry conditions or poses a security risk. Swift Journey Visa will keep clients updated as the ETIAS launch date is confirmed.
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