Information:
This website is NOT affiliated with any governmental agency. Our platform provides step-by-step assistance to ensure applications are complete and accurate. All applicants can apply directly at the appropriate government website without our assistance.What is ETIAS Visa Waiver?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new visa waiver introduced by the EU to enhance border security and protect residents and visitors. Starting in 2025, all visa-exempt travelers to Europe must obtain ETIAS approval to enter Schengen Area countries. It applies to citizens of countries that currently don’t require a visa for Europe. ETIAS allows access to 26 Schengen Zone members, and 59 countries will need it to travel to this region. It covers short stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Countries that will need ETIAS for traveling in Europe
Currently, 59 countries are part of the ETIAS program. Citizens of these countries can travel visa-free to Europe, but starting in 2025, they will need ETIAS authorization, which helps screen for risks like terrorism, pandemics, and crime.
ETIAS relies on machine-readable visas (MRVs) and security databases to verify applicant information. Some data may also come from Advance Passenger Information (iAPI), though this is unconfirmed.
ETIAS is valid for short-term stays, business, or leisure trips. It lasts for 3 years or until your passport expires. Longer stays (over 90 days) for study or work require a Schengen visa or other permits.
6 main steps in the ETIAS process:
- Application
- Fees
- Materials Submission (documents, personal info)
- Biometrics (if required)
- Notification/Authorization
- Verification
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
How does ETIAS work?
All travelers wishing to enter Europe through the Schengen Area can apply for the ETIAS visa waiver online. To obtain it, travelers must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit/credit card to pay the application fee.
The basic ETIAS application requires personal information, including full name, birth date, and country of residence. Applicants must also provide passport details and answer security and health-related questions at the end of the form.
Most applications are processed within minutes. They are cross-checked against various security databases, such as SIS, VIS, EUROPOL, and INTERPOL. ETIAS has its own screening rules and watchlist. Once approved, travelers will receive their authorization via email.
ETIAS is valid for business, transit, or tourism travel and can also cover short-term study trips (up to 90 days). Travelers should apply before their trip. The ETIAS will be verified by airlines before boarding a flight to an ETIAS country.
When will ETIAS will be mandatory?
The European Commission announced that the ETIAS travel authorization program will become mandatory by November 2025. The launch was delayed multiple times since 2020 due to the time required to develop the digital system and the need for Schengen countries to finalize agreements with other governments, organizations, and airline associations.
Both Schengen and visa-exempt countries must inform their citizens about the new visa waiver program. Miscommunication could lead to border issues or scams from fraudulent application providers.
The Schengen area will also need to provide support for the ETIAS application, including an official website, call center, FAQ, email help desk, and possibly a 24/7 support line and entry operations center.
Until ETIAS becomes mandatory, citizens from “ETIAS Eligible Countries” can still travel to “ETIAS Countries” without applying. Once the program is operational, only approved travelers will be allowed entry.
