Published on
September 28, 2025
Starting in 2026, non-EU nationals will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to visit 30 European countries. This new travel authorisation system is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures, ensuring that travellers are vetted before entering the Schengen Area and associated nations. With a fee of 20 euros, the ETIAS will be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers, helping to improve safety and efficiency in Europe’s border control processes.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become a mandatory requirement for non-EU nationals travelling to specific European countries starting in 2026. This new travel authorisation system was introduced to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures for visa-exempt travellers. From 2026 onward, non-EU nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS to access 30 European countries, including all Schengen Area member nations, some Schengen associate countries, and Cyprus.
The ETIAS authorisation will apply to nationals of countries that are not part of the EU but currently enjoy visa-free access to European destinations. Once granted, the ETIAS allows travellers to enter these countries multiple times for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that non-EU visitors will need to apply for and pay for the authorisation before travelling, even if they were previously able to enter without such a requirement.
Initially, the cost of applying for an ETIAS was expected to be just 7 euros. However, it has now been confirmed that the fee will be set at 20 euros per eligible traveller. Travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee, which means a family of four, including two children, will pay a total of 40 euros for the required authorisations. This fee is relatively low compared to traditional visa costs, but it will be an additional travel expense for many.
Despite its initial plans for an earlier rollout, the ETIAS has experienced several delays, and the EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs now estimates that the system will be fully operational in the last quarter of 2026. The ETIAS will be linked electronically to a traveller’s passport, eliminating the need for traditional visa stamps or physical documents. This system aims to enhance border security by collecting traveller information before they arrive in Europe, allowing authorities to better assess the risks posed by individuals and improve entry procedures.
Once implemented, the ETIAS will be required for travel to the following European nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These are the countries that are either part of the Schengen Area or have agreements with the EU to allow for visa-free travel.
Applications for the ETIAS are expected to be processed swiftly, with the majority of applicants receiving approval “almost immediately.” However, there may be cases where the system flags an application for further review. In such cases, travellers may encounter issues that could lead to a rejection of their application. Common reasons for ETIAS rejections include invalid passport information, the applicant being deemed a security risk, incomplete or inaccurate applications, or a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert. Additionally, travellers may face rejection if they fail to attend a mandatory interview.
If an ETIAS application is refused, travellers still have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process allows applicants the opportunity to address the issues that caused their application to be rejected and reapply for authorisation.
The introduction of the ETIAS system is designed to enhance the security and management of borders within Europe, providing authorities with an effective tool for tracking the movement of travellers. While it will undoubtedly add a layer of bureaucracy for non-EU visitors, it also promises to streamline the entry process and increase overall safety across European borders. As the 2026 deadline approaches, travellers should begin preparing for the new requirement to ensure that they can smoothly access their chosen European destinations without any disruptions.
