ETIAS or Schengen visa: how do you know which one to apply for?
Before traveling to Europe, it’s essential to know whether you need aSchengen visa or an ETIAS authorization. These two documents are not intended for the same travelers, and do not follow the same procedures.
ETIAS: simplified electronic authorization
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a digital authorization that will soon be required for nationals of countries currently exempt from visa requirements. It will become compulsory by the end of 2025 to enter the Schengen area for short-term tourist or business purposes.
Here are the main features:
- 100% online application, no need to travel;
- Rapid treatment (often within minutes, up to 96 hours);
- Valid for 3 years, unless passport expires before ;
- Price: about €7;
- Authorized length of stay: 90 days in any 180-day period;
- The ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport.
It facilitates upstream border controls, but does not guarantee entry into the Schengen area.
The Schengen visa: a more complex procedure
For nationals of countries subject to visa requirements, such as India, Algeria, China and Senegal, a Schengen visa is still required.
There are two main categories:
- Short-stay visa (type C): valid for 90 days for tourism, business or private visits.
- Long-stay visa (type D): for study, work or settlement.
Obtaining a Schengen visa involves :
- An appointment at a consulate or approved center (VFS Global, TLS, etc.);
- Presentation of supporting documents: proof of income, accommodation, travel insurance, etc. ;
- Higher fees (€60-80);
- A waiting time of up to several weeks.
Quick comparison: ETIAS or visa?
| Criteria | ETIAS | Schengen Visa |
| Target audience | Visa-free countries | Countries requiring visas |
| Format | Electronic authorization | Physical visa on passport |
| Request | Online only | In person, with receipts |
| Delay | From a few minutes to 4 days | Several weeks |
| Validity | 3 years (multiple entries) | Variable, depending on type |
| Price | Approx. €7 | From €60 to €80 |
| Accepted motifs | Tourism, business, transit | Tourism, studies, work, etc. |
What do you need to ask?
- Are you Canadian, American, Japanese, Australian…? If you’re a national of one of the ETIAS-eligible countries, you don’t need a visa. From the end of 2025, all you’ll need is an ETIAS authorization.
- Are you Moroccan, Indian, Ivorian, Chinese…? You need to apply for a Schengen visa, depending on the length and purpose of your stay.
The ETIAS is not a visa, but a pre-clearance measure designed to enhance security without adding to the administrative burden for travellers from partner countries. The Schengen visa, on the other hand, remains indispensable for many nationalities. Before booking your trip, make sure you know which regime you belong to.