Validity period of the ETIAS: How long is it valid for?
The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance, or until the expiration date of the passport used for the application—whichever comes first. During this entire period, it allows for an unlimited number of entries into the Schengen Area, up to a maximum of 90 days per 180-day period.
Summary of ETIAS Validity
| Parameter | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum validity period | 3 years from the date of issuance |
| Passport-related restriction | The ETIAS expires at the same time as the passport if the passport expires before 3 years |
| Number of entries | Unlimited during the validity period |
| Length of stay per trip | Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period |
| Coverage | 30 Schengen Area countries + Cyprus |
| Link to the passport | ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport used for the application |
ETIAS and passport expiration: Which rule applies?
ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport used in the application. If your passport expires before the 3-year validity period of the authorization, ETIAS automatically expires on the same date as the passport. In this case, you will need to submit a new application using your new passport. Visit our page on passports for travel to Europe to learn about the validity requirements for travel documents.
Here’s a concrete example: if you obtain your ETIAS in January 2027 with a passport that expires in June 2028, your authorization will be valid until June 2028—that is, 18 months instead of 3 years. To benefit from the full 3-year validity period, your passport must itself be valid for at least 3 years after the date of application.
What happens when the ETIAS expires?
Once the authorization expires, you cannot travel within the Schengen Area without obtaining a new one. An expired ETIAS is not automatically renewed—a new, complete application must be submitted, along with a €20 fee. The process is the same as for a first-time application. For more information, visit our page on renewing your ETIAS.
The 90/180-day rule
Having a valid ETIAS does not mean you can stay in Europe indefinitely. The 90/180-day rule applies: over any rolling 180-day period, the total length of stay within the Schengen Area may not exceed 90 days. This rule is calculated on a rolling basis, not by calendar year.
The EES (Entry/Exit System), which has been operational since October 2025, electronically records every entry into and exit from the Schengen Area and allows border authorities to automatically verify compliance with this rule. To submit your application, use only the official ETIAS website. Exceeding the authorized duration may affect future authorization applications.
ETIAS and the new passport
If you renew your passport while your ETIAS is still valid, the existing authorization becomes invalid because it is linked to the old document. A new ETIAS application must be submitted with the new passport, even if the old authorization had not yet reached its 3-year validity period. There is no procedure for transferring an ETIAS from one passport to another.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Validity of ETIAS
Do you need to renew your ETIAS before every trip?
No. A valid ETIAS authorization allows for an unlimited number of trips within the Schengen Area throughout its 3-year validity period. No action is required between trips, as long as the authorization has not expired and the stays comply with the 90/180-day rule.
Is the ETIAS valid in all EU countries?
ETIAS is valid in the 30 countries of the Schengen Area as well as in Cyprus. It does not apply to the United Kingdom, which has its own system (ETA). Some EU member states that are not part of the Schengen Area may have their own requirements. Visit our page listing the countries covered by ETIAS to check which destinations are included.
Can the validity of an ETIAS be extended?
No. The ETIAS is valid for 3 years and cannot be extended. Once it expires, a new, complete application must be submitted. There is no simplified extension or renewal procedure.
Is my ETIAS still valid if I change my nationality?
ETIAS is linked to a specific passport and the nationality declared at the time of application. If you change your nationality or acquire a new one, your status regarding the ETIAS requirement may change. If you become a citizen of an EU country, you will no longer need an ETIAS to travel within the Schengen Area.
Do you need to have a valid ETIAS authorization for the entire duration of your stay?
Yes. Travelers must hold a valid ETIAS authorization for the entire duration of their stay in the Schengen Area. If the authorization expires during their stay, this may cause difficulties during border checks or when taking a return flight via a Schengen country.
