ETIAS: Current Status, Fee and Official Website

Status on the official EU site, read 4 October 2026

ETIAS is not running yet.

"ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch."

travel-europe.europa.eu · read

There is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay. Any site taking an ETIAS application or payment today is not the EU. We will not guess a start date; when the official site publishes one, it will be here with the date we read it.

Go to the official ETIAS website

travel-europe.europa.eu is the EU's own site. The EU does not license commercial intermediaries. Official EU websites are on the europa.eu domain. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

Fee, once it starts
€20
travel-europe.europa.eu · read
Free for
Under 18s and over 70s, and qualifying family members of EU nationals
travel-europe.europa.eu · read
Valid for
3 years, or until the passport you applied with expires if that is sooner
travel-europe.europa.eu · read
Decision
Most within minutes; otherwise within 4 days, or up to 14 or 30 days if more is asked of you
travel-europe.europa.eu · read

What ETIAS is

A travel authorisation, not a visa, for people who can already visit these countries without one. It lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. travel-europe.europa.eu · read A new passport needs a new ETIAS. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

When it starts: a transitional period of at least six months follows, then a grace period of at least six months. During the transitional period, travellers without one are not refused entry if they meet the other conditions. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

Once ETIAS starts, apply on the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS app. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

The Entry/Exit System, which records your border crossings, has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. ETIAS is a separate system. travel-europe.europa.eu · read More on both in our guide to EES and ETIAS.

Who will need it

Nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

Some of these, including the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, have conditions on the type of passport. Check the official site for yours.

Where it will be needed

30 European countries. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

Ireland is not on the list. The United Kingdom has its own scheme, the UK ETA.

Transit

Not needed if you stay in the international transit area; needed if you leave it. travel-europe.europa.eu · read Some nationalities need an airport transit visa instead: see transit visas.

What changed

Each time the official status changes, we add a line here with the date we read it.

  1. Official site says ETIAS is not in operation and that the start date will be announced several months before launch. travel-europe.europa.eu · read

Questions

Is ETIAS in operation?
The official EU site says: "ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch." (read 4 October 2026).
How much does ETIAS cost?
€20. Free for applicants under 18 or over 70, and for qualifying family members of EU nationals.
How long is ETIAS valid?
3 years, or until the passport you applied with expires if that is sooner. A new passport needs a new ETIAS.
Who needs ETIAS?
Nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories, travelling to the 30 European countries that require it.
Do I need ETIAS to transit through a European airport?
Not needed if you stay in the international transit area; needed if you leave it.

Every fact on this page was read on the official EU site; the newest read was 4 October 2026. Check every figure against the government page.