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ETIAS & Visa Waiver: What Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting Europe

ETIAS & Visa Waiver: What Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting Europe

Planning a Trip to Europe? Here’s What’s Changing

Imagine this: You’ve booked your dream vacation to Germany, picturing yourself strolling through the streets of Munich, enjoying a fresh pretzel and a cold beer in a bustling Biergarten. You check your passport, pack your bags, and head to the airport, expecting smooth sailing—after all, Americans, Australians and people from the UK don’t need a visa for Europe, right? Well, not for much longer.

Starting in mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require non-European travelers to complete a pre-travel authorization before entering most European countries. It’s not a visa, but it’s an extra step you’ll need to take. So what does this mean for your travel plans? Let’s break it down.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new travel authorization system introduced by the European Union. It’s designed to improve border security while still allowing visa-free travelers—like those from the U.S.—to visit the Schengen Zone with minimal hassle.

Think of it as Europe’s version of the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Just like travelers to the U.S. from visa-exempt countries must fill out an ESTA application, travelers heading to Europe will soon need an ETIAS approval before boarding their flight.

How Does It Work?

The process is straightforward:

Online Application – You’ll need to fill out a form online with basic personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
Security Screening – Your information is checked against security databases to ensure there are no risks.
Quick Approval – Most applications will be approved within minutes, but in some cases, processing can take up to several days.
Valid for Multiple Trips – Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The cost? Just €7 (around USD $8).

Does This Mean Travelers Need a Visa for Europe?

No! ETIAS is not a visa. You still enjoy visa-free travel, but you now need to register before your trip. There’s no need to visit an embassy, provide biometric data, or go through a lengthy application process.

The main difference is that, unlike before, you can’t just show up at the airport with your passport and go. Without an approved ETIAS, you won’t be allowed to board your flight to Europe.

Which Countries Require ETIAS?

ETIAS will be mandatory for all 30 European countries in the Schengen Zone, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. So whether you’re planning to explore Bavaria’s castles or sip wine in Paris, you’ll need this new authorization.

The 30 Countries with ETIAS in Detail

Why Is This Happening?

Security. ETIAS aims to strengthen border protection while keeping travel convenient for trusted visitors. With rising global security concerns, many countries (including the U.S., Canada or Australia) have similar pre-screening requirements for travelers.

For most tourists, ETIAS won’t be more than a minor inconvenience—but it’s crucial to know about it in advance so your dream vacation doesn’t turn into a nightmare at the airport.

What Should You Do Now?

Since ETIAS hasn’t launched yet, there’s no need to apply today. But as your next European trip approaches:

Stay informed – Keep an eye on the official EU ETIAS website. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.
Apply early – While approvals are usually quick, don’t wait until the last minute.
Check your passport – Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay in Europe.

ETA and ETIAS - What is the Difference?

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is the travel authoruzation for the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

As the UK left the European Union a few years ago, these countries do not take part in the European ETIAS System.

If you plan to visit England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you need an ETA, which you can get online at the official website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta

So if you plan to visit London and Paris in one trip, you will need an ETA as well as an ETIAS.

ETIAS Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an ETIAS cost and how long is it valid?

The ETIAS document will cost (as of 2025) 7 Euros per person (approx. 8 USD). It is valid for three years.

Where do I apply for an ETIAS?

There will be an online system where you can apply for an ETIAS. This information will be updated as soon as the ETIAS System starts in mid 2025.

Do I need an ETIAS also if I fo not visit Europe (e.g. connecting flights to Asia or the Middle East)?

As of now: Yes

I want to travel to a non EU-Country like Switzerland. Do I need an ETIAS when I travel there directly?

Yes. Even ETIAS is an EU-Project, many countries that are not member of the European Union but the Schengen Area joined the ETIAS system. These are:

Switzerland
Iceland
Norway

Schengen? EU? I am confused!

The European Union has many members and most European states are EU members, but there are countries that are not EU members, but agreed to open borders between the neighboring EU-countries. This „stop-free-travel-zone“ is called the „Schengen Area“. Countries who take part in this contract are called „Schengen-countries“ or Schengen-members. The UK is neither an EU member nor a Schengen-member anymore.