Quick answer
Who meets the basic ETIAS requirements?
As a general rule, ETIAS applies to visa-exempt travellers who are not EU nationals and who do not fall under a residence-document or other specific exemption. Some nationalities also have document-specific conditions, such as a biometric-passport requirement.
- You hold a nationality covered by the ETIAS visa-exempt list.
- You are travelling for a short stay in a country requiring ETIAS.
- You are not travelling under an exemption such as EU free-movement rights or a qualifying residence document.
Passport and travel-document requirements
ETIAS is electronically linked to the travel document used in the application. The document should generally remain valid for more than three months after your intended departure and should not be older than 10 years. A document that does not meet international standards can be rejected.
If you obtain a new passport after ETIAS is granted, you normally need a new ETIAS linked to the new document.
Information you should have ready
The official application will ask for travel-document details and personal information. You will also need a payment method where the fee applies, and you will indicate the first participating country in which you intend to stay. Your later itinerary can change.
- Travel-document details
- Personal and contact information
- First intended ETIAS destination
- Payment details when the €20 fee applies
ETIAS is not a visa and does not guarantee entry
A valid ETIAS lets an eligible traveller present themselves for travel to participating countries. Border guards still make the final entry decision and normal entry conditions continue to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not yet operational and applications are not being collected.
Does ETIAS replace a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers.
Do I need confirmed flights before applying?
No. You indicate the first participating country you intend to stay in, but your plans can change later.
Official sources
We use official European Union ETIAS information as the primary source for factual requirements.