In short: ETIAS applications will be submitted online at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. The process takes around 10 minutes, costs €20, and most approvals arrive within minutes. You cannot apply yet — the portal opens when ETIAS launches in Q4 2026.
The Application Process (When Live)
When the ETIAS portal opens in Q4 2026, the process will work as follows:
- Go to the official portal: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Do not use any other site — scam portals are already operating, charging €50–100+ for a process that costs €20.
- Enter your passport details, full name, date of birth, nationality, and email address.
- Answer health-related questions and declare any criminal convictions or previous visa refusals.
- Pay the €20 fee by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
- Receive your authorisation by email, linked digitally to your passport number.
Most applications are approved automatically within minutes. A small percentage requires manual review and can take up to 96 hours. The EU recommends applying well in advance of travel rather than on the day of departure.
What You Need to Have Ready
- Valid passport (the authorisation is linked to the specific passport used in the application)
- Email address for confirmation
- Credit or debit card for the €20 fee
- Answers to health and security screening questions (yes/no format)
Children under 18 and adults over 70 do not pay the fee but still need to complete the application. A parent or guardian completes the application on behalf of minors.
The Scam Warning You Actually Need
Multiple third-party websites have appeared online using official EU logos and colours, claiming to process ETIAS applications. Some have already collected personal data and payment from travellers. Prices on scam sites range from €50 to over €100.
The official EU domain is europa.eu — specifically travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. If a site’s URL does not end in .europa.eu, it is not official. This includes sites like etias-application.com, apply-etias.eu, or any variation. The EU ETIAS unit has specifically warned about these sites in official communications.
FAQ
When will the ETIAS application portal open?
ETIAS is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, but the exact launch date has not been confirmed. The European Union says travellers do not need to take action yet and that the specific start date will be announced several months before launch. Use only the official ETIAS website when applications open.
How long is ETIAS valid?
An ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers multiple short-stay entries to the 30 European countries that require ETIAS, as long as you still meet the normal 90/180-day short-stay rules. Check the official EU ETIAS validity guidance before travel.
What if my ETIAS is denied?
A refused ETIAS does not automatically ban you from Europe. The refusal email should explain the reason and include information on how to appeal, the competent authority, and the appeal deadline. You may also need to apply for a traditional Schengen visa through the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Read the official ETIAS FAQ for current refusal and appeal guidance.
Can I apply for ETIAS on behalf of someone else?
Yes. A family member, friend, travel agent, or other third party can submit an ETIAS application on behalf of a traveller. The authorisation is still linked to the traveller’s passport, not the person completing the form. Apply only through the official ETIAS portal or official ETIAS mobile app once applications open.
Last checked June 2026 — European Commission official ETIAS guidance
Related Articles
- What Is ETIAS and Do I Need It for Eastern Europe?
- Will ETIAS Affect My Eastern Europe Trip?
- Eastern Europe Visa Rules 2026: Complete Country Guide
- Schengen vs Non-Schengen Eastern Europe
- Which Countries Are Not in Schengen: Eastern Europe
- Does ETIAS Apply to Serbia, Bosnia, Albania and Montenegro?
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