Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting most European countries.
ETIAS will be a quick online pre-travel authorization designed to enhance security while keeping the process simple for travelers. It is not a visa – just a short application to confirm your eligibility for travel.

Key Details:
- Start date: Late 2026
- Applies to: Travel to the Schengen Area (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more – 30 countries in total!)
- Validity: 3 years or until your passport expires
- Cost: Only €7 for adults (free for under 18 and over 70)
- Processing Time: Usually within minutes
How to apply for ETIAS:
- Visit the official ETIAS website (coming soon at europa.eu)
- Complete the online form (passport details, travel info, basic security questions)
- Pay the small fee online
- Receive your approval by email – easy and fast!
To make your European visit as smooth as possible, here are some very practical apps and links you may consider:
Travel Planning & Itinerary
- Visit A City – visitacity.com
- Pre-made city itineraries and attractions guides for major European destinations.
- TripIt – tripit.com
- Organize all your bookings (flights, hotels, trains) in one place.
Transport & Navigation
- Google Maps – maps.google.com
- For walking, driving, and public transit directions.
- Rome2Rio – rome2rio.com
- Find all possible ways to travel between two points (bus, train, ferry, flight).
- Omio – omio.com
- Book trains, buses, and flights across Europe in one app.
- Trainline – thetrainline.com
- Great for European rail tickets and schedules.
- Bolt – bolt.eu
- Ride-hailing alternative to Uber in many European countries.
Accommodation
- com – booking.com
- Hotels, hostels, apartments.
- Airbnb – airbnb.com
- Private stays, unique accommodations.
Local Transport Cards & City Passes
- Citymapper – citymapper.com
- Public transit maps and route planners for major European cities.
- Eurail – eurail.com
- Rail passes for unlimited train travel in multiple countries.
Attractions & Tour
- GetYourGuide – getyourguide.com
- Book tours, attractions, and skip-the-line tickets.
- Tiqets – tiqets.com
- Instant entry tickets to museums and attractions.
Language & Communication
- Google Translate – translate.google.com
- For quick translations (text, voice, camera scan).
- Duolingo – duolingo.com
- Fun way to learn basic phrases before traveling.
Money & Payments
- XE Currency – xe.com
- Real-time currency converter.
- Revolut – revolut.com
- Multi-currency card, great for saving on exchange rates.
Safety & Health
Emergency Numbers:
- Dial 112 for emergency services across the EU.
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ETIAS Eligible Countries
Albania
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao
Northern Macedonia
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
St. Vincent
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Ukraine
UAE
Vanuatu
Venezuela
United Kingdom
United States
Schengen zone countries (ETIAS countries)
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Spain
Switzerland
EU members without ETIAS agreement so far:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Romania
Monaco
San Marino
Vatican