The European Commission first discussed the ETIAS authorisation in April 2016 in the Communication “Stronger and Smarter Information Systems for Borders and Security” and adopted the proposal on November 16, 2016.
After negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council, the ETIAS Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 was adopted on September 12, 2018 and entered into force on October 9, 2018. However, the ETIAS authorization system is not currently operational, as its legislative framework is still being completed in conjunction with the European Commission’s Implementing and Delegated Acts.
ETIAS is not yet operational and the European Union has not announced a specific start date. The EU will communicate the launch date several months in advance. Current official national guidance points to a planned launch in 2027, but this is not a specific date announced by the EU. Applications are not currently being collected.
After ETIAS starts operating, an initial transitional period of at least six months will apply. During this period, travellers will not be refused entry solely because they do not hold an ETIAS, provided they meet the other entry conditions. EU rules also provide for a subsequent grace period of at least six months in specific circumstances.
The separate Entry/Exit System (EES) started operations on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026.
What is the ETIAS authorisation system?
First of all, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not a visa, but a lighter and more visitor-friendly regime.Â
ETIAS will be a largely automated IT system aimed at identifying security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen States. At the same time, it aims at facilitating crossing borders for the vast majority of travellers who do not pose such risks.
The key functions of ETIAS will be to:
- Verify the information submitted by visa-exempt third country nationals (such as information related to identity, travel document, residence information, contact details etc.), to assess if they pose a risk for irregular migration, security or public health. Foreign nationals will submit the information via an online application ahead of their travel to the EU’s external borders;
- Automatically process each application submitted via a website or a mobile application against other EU information systems (such as SIS, VIS, Europol’s database, Interpol’s database, the EES, Eurodac, ECRIS), a dedicated ETIAS watch list (established by Europol) and target, proportionate and clearly define screening rules to determine if there are factual indications or reasonable grounds to issue or refuse a travel authorisation;
- Issue travel authorisations. In the case of no hits or elements requiring further analysis, the travel authorisation is issued automatically within minutes after the application has been submitted.
Who needs to apply for the ETIAS authorisation?
Non-EU nationals who do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for ETIAS prior to the trip.
Have a look here for the updated list of Countries whose citizens must apply for the ETIAS authorization.
If you are looking for information on Italian Visas, have a look here at the full library of the types of Italian Visas.
Will ETIAS apply to US citizens?
ETIAS applies to citizens outside the EU, as well as American citizens. When ETIAS becomes operational, US citizens and other visa-exempt travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to the European countries where ETIAS applies.
Will ETIAS apply to UK Citizens?
Since the United Kingdom is now outside the European Union, UK nationals will have to apply for ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area.
Why implement the ETIAS system?
This system will help achieve the objectives of the European Agenda on Security and the European Agenda on Migration, in particular regarding border management and preventing cross-border crime and terrorism.
Thanks to this system, authorities will access vital information necessary to assess potential risks with individuals travelling to the EU. They will then have the possibility to deny such autorization in case of potential risks.
Authorities will access the information in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection principles.
Schengen participating States will be able to manage their external borders more effectively and improve internal security. Travellers will receive confirmation to access the Country before their trip, thus substantially reducing the number of refusals of entry.
This will also facilitate legal travel across Schengen Countries.
Overall, the ETIAS authorisation system will:
- facilitate border checks;
- avoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers when showing up at the borders;
- ensure a coordinated and harmonised risk assessment of third-country nationals.
Nationals of visa waiver countries will still be able to travel without a visa. Nonetheless, they will have to obtain the travel authorization prior to travelling to the Schengen Area.
How will the ETIAS Europe system work?
The ETIAS authorisation will be a mandatory pre-condition for entry to the Schengen States. Authorities will check it together with the travel documents at the border when entering the EU. Travellers should apply as soon as they start planning their trip, preferably before booking their tickets and accommodation. Some applications may take up to 96 hours to be processed, and applications requiring additional checks may take up to 30 days. These are processing times, not a deadline for submitting an application.
How long does the approval take?
Most applications are processed within minutes or, at the latest, within 96 hours.
If additional information or an interview is required, the process may take up to 30 days.
Once issued, an ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the expiry of the passport used in the application, whichever comes first. It allows multiple short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETIAS.
How much will ETIAS authorisation cost?
The ETIAS application fee is EUR 20 per application. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
Transit passengers will need ETIAS?
ETIAS is required for transit if the traveller must pass through border control in a participating European country, for example to change terminals or airports. It is not required for airside transit when the traveller remains in the international transit area without crossing the external border.
Do I need ETIASÂ if I have a Schengen Visa?
ETIAS authorization is not required for holders of a valid Schengen Visa
When will ETIAS be operational?
ETIAS is not yet operational, and the European Union has not announced a specific start date. Current official national guidance points to a planned launch in 2027. Check the official ETIAS website for updates; applications are not currently being collected.
For further information regarding the ETIAS Europe system, you can also refer to the official memo (PDF) for additional questions and answers on ETIAS.