ETIAS - Planning to Visit Europe in Mid 2025, Don’t Leave Home Without This
Mid 2025 You will Need ETIAS Authorization to enter the Schengen Zone
Going to Europe soon? Starting in mid 2025, visa exempt travelers will be required to have a valid ETIAS. This will apply to most travelers. Whether you are traveling by plane, train or ship you will need to plan ahead. Don’t have your travel plans ruined by not being able to enter the country you have been hoping to experience. International airlines and cruise operators, within 48 hours of departure will have to verify that visa-exempt travelers have a valid ETIAS travel authorization.
What does ETIAS stand for?
Presently 30 Countries Comprise the Schengen Zone
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It's a security measure that requires visa-exempt travelers to obtain authorization before entering the Schengen States.
It will be mandatory for all countries currently in the Schengen Zone, or who currently have visa-free access to the Zone. The Schengen Zone includes over 60 countries.
This new visa requirement is designed to ease border crossings and to provide security.
What countries will require ETIAS?
Just to be clear, the EU is not the same as the Schengen Zone.
The UK is not part of the Schengen Zone and Requires its own Authorization
These countries presently comprise the Schengen Zone and require the ETIAS authorization:
Member nations include the following countries — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Visit the EU website to check whether ETIAS applies to you. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of 30 European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if you meet all other entry conditions.
Who needs to apply?
Everyone Needs to Apply for the ETIAS
Anyone traveling to the EU, regardless of age, must submit an ETIAS application, if travel is for business, leisure, or transit purposes, and if it is less than 90 days.
The application fee is waived for travelers under age 18, or over age 70.
If you are a dual citizen of a Schengen Zone country and have a valid passport from that country you will not need to apply. Make sure that your passport from that country is valid. Check the country’s website to verify the requirements.
Are there any other restrictions where an ETIAS would not cover my travel?
Yes, travel to the European union for purposes other than business, tourism, or transit to a further destination are not covered by ETIAS. Also, the authorization is not valid for travel over a period of longer than 90 days
When should you apply?
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Apply
Most applications are approved within 24 hours, but it can take additional time, even weeks if ETIAS has delays or requests for more travel documents/information. Make sure to apply well ahead of time.
What information will I need to fill out the application?
ETIAS applications can be submitted through the ETIAS mobile app — available in app stores — or at the official website.
The application will ask for some personal information. Make sure you have contact information in hand, intended first entry, passport number available to make the process easy. It’s an easy process and should take about 30 minutes, give or take, to fill out.
How much does it cost?
Right now the fee for the Authorization is $7.00 and it is free for people over 70 or under 18
The charge is nominal. Right now it is about $7.00
It is free for travelers over 70 (and under 18)
Warning
Make sure you are on the official website. There are lots of scams out there. You don’t want to be out money or not have a real travel authorization.
How long is ETIAS good for?
Once you receive authorization, multiple entries are allowed within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days. ETIAS remains valid for three years.
If I get a new passport, do I need to apply for a new ETIAS?
Yes, your ETIAS is tied to your valid current passport. As your ETIAS travel authorization is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Does ETIAS authorization guarantee entry?
To enter a Schengen Zone Country-you must have ETIAS
Not necessarily. Having a valid ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee an automatic right of entry as all existing entry conditions remain in place. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travelers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.
Take Aways
Plan ahead, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your ETIAS authorization.
Make sure you are on the the official app or website when applying.
Check the website of the country/countries you plan to visit for additional information.
Now Let’s Go Travel!
