1. Do Japanese citizens need ETIAS?
- You are travelling on an eligible Japan passport
- Your trip is a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- You are visiting one or more of the 30 ETIAS countries
- You are travelling for tourism, business, transit or another permitted short-stay purpose
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It is not a visa and approval does not itself guarantee entry at the border.
2. Passport rules for Japan
ETIAS will be linked to the Japanese passport used in the application. Use that same passport for travel; replacing or renewing it can require a new ETIAS.
The ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to the passport used in the application. If that passport expires or is replaced, a new ETIAS will normally be required.
Planning a European trip from Japan
- ETIAS is separate from the 90/180-day short-stay limit.
- One authorisation can support eligible trips to multiple participating countries while valid.
- Dual Japanese/EU citizens should check which passport they will use for travel.
3. ETIAS cost and validity
*Or until the travel document used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
4. Where will Japanese citizens need ETIAS?
ETIAS applies to eligible short trips to 30 participating European countries. Start with these destination guides:
5. How ETIAS will work
Applications are not open yet. Use the official EU website when ETIAS launches; ETIAS.guide is an independent information website.
Visit the official EU ETIAS website6. Important exceptions
- EU citizens do not need ETIAS when travelling under EU free-movement rights.
- If you hold more than one nationality, the passport you actually travel on determines the relevant rule.
- Some residence permits, residence cards and other statuses can change the requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can Japanese citizens apply for ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not yet operational. The current official timetable is Expected Q4 2026.
What is the difference between ETIAS and a Schengen visa?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers. A Schengen visa is a visa required for travellers of nationalities that are not visa-exempt for short stays. ETIAS does not replace a Schengen visa where a visa is required.
Do children need ETIAS?
Eligible children are expected to need their own ETIAS authorisation, but applicants under 18 are exempt from the application fee.
Will Japanese citizens need ETIAS for France or Italy?
Yes, once ETIAS is operational, eligible Japanese passport holders travelling visa-free for a short stay to participating countries are expected to need ETIAS.
Does ETIAS replace the 90/180-day rule?
No. ETIAS validity and the permitted length of a short stay are separate rules.