ETIAS For Europe Travel In 2025
The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travelers to have an ETIAS travel authorization.
Nationals of any of these countries/territories need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.
ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, 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.
As your ETIAS travel authorization 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.
How to apply for ETIAS
To apply for ETIAS you will need a valid passport and pay an application fee of 7 EUR.
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.
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 appeal, details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.
You will not need an ETIAS travel authorization if you are:
1. A national of a European country requiring ETIAS or a holder of a residence permit or a residence card or national visa issued by any European country requiring ETIAS
2. A national of any of these countries who needs a visa to travel to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS
3. Other cases - see here.