European Travel Information and Authorisation System

ETIAS Area
Map of Europe
  Schengen Area
  Countries with open borders to the Schengen area
  Member of the EU committed by treaty to join the Schengen Area in the future
Policy of European Union
TypeElectronic travel authorisation system area
Expected implementationLast quarter of 2026
Applicable countries

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic authorisation system of the European Union for visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen Area (including EFTA countries), as well as Cyprus. ETIAS is planned to cost €7 for applicants between ages 18 and 70, and to remain valid for three years or until the expiry date of the passport, whichever is sooner. ETIAS is planned to come into force in the last quarter of 2026, approximately a year after implementation of the Entry/Exit System.

According to the European Commission, ETIAS is planned to be implemented "for the identification of security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors." It is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry.

ETIAS was first proposed by the European Commission in 2016 and was formally established by Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 of the European Parliament and of the European Council of 12 September 2018. Due to various reasons, including difficulties in integrating different member states' national systems into a central database, the implementation date has been repeatedly delayed from January 2021.

ETIAS is similar to other electronic travel authorisation systems, such as the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).