Quick answer
1. Prepare your travel document and payment method
Have the travel document you will actually use for the trip available. ETIAS will be linked to that document, so passport-number accuracy matters. Have a payment card available when the fee applies.
2. Complete the official application
Enter your personal and travel-document details carefully. The official system will let you review the application before submission, and a draft can be stored temporarily.
- Use an email address you personally control.
- Check letters and numbers in the passport number carefully.
- Indicate the first ETIAS country where you intend to stay.
3. Pay the fee if applicable
The standard application fee is €20. Applicants under 18, over 70 and certain qualifying family members are exempt from paying the fee.
4. Receive the decision by email
Most applicants are expected to receive a decision within minutes. The EU says that, where processing takes longer, you should receive a response within 96 hours indicating whether ETIAS was granted, refused or additional information is required.
5. Travel using the same passport
You do not normally need to print ETIAS. Carriers and border authorities can check it electronically. You must travel using the document linked to your ETIAS.
Applications are not open yet. When ETIAS launches, use the official EU channel rather than a website that presents itself as the official application service.
Frequently asked questions
Can somebody apply for me?
Yes. An authorised person or commercial intermediary can submit an application on your behalf, subject to the official representation requirements.
Can I submit one application for my family?
No. ETIAS applications are individual and each authorisation is linked to one person and travel document.
Do I need to print ETIAS?
No. It is checked electronically, although you may keep a copy for your own records.
Official sources
We use official European Union ETIAS information as the primary source for factual requirements.