Conditions for obtaining ETIAS authorization
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be mandatory starting in the fourth quarter of 2026 for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter the Schengen Area. Not everyone is automatically eligible: several conditions must be met before submitting an application.
Who should apply for ETIAS?
According to the official rules of the European Commission, you must obtain an ETIAS authorization if you are a national of a country whose citizens are not subject to visa requirements for short-term stays in the European countries covered by ETIAS, and if you do not hold a valid residence permit or residence card.
In practice, this applies to travelers from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Brazil—a total of about 60 nationalities. To find out if your nationality is affected, visit our page listing the countries eligible for ETIAS.
Requirements
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible nationality | National of one of the ~60 countries exempt from the Schengen visa requirement |
| Valid passport | Valid, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled departure date |
| Short-term stay | Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area |
| Purpose of travel | Tourism, business, or transit — not for long-term work or study |
| Payment of fees | €20 by credit card (free for those under 18 and over 70) |
| Email address | Required to receive the application confirmation and the result |
Passport Requirements
To submit your ETIAS application, you must have a valid travel document in which a visa can be affixed. Your travel document must not expire within the next three months and must not have been issued more than ten years ago.
ETIAS is linked to the passport used in the application. If you obtain a new passport after receiving your authorization, you will need to submit a new ETIAS application. The ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who is exempt from the ETIAS requirement?
Certain categories of travelers are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETIAS authorization, even if they are nationals of a country normally subject to this requirement:
| Category | Condition |
|---|---|
| EU citizens | Exempt if traveling with their passport or EU ID card |
| Holders of a valid EU residence permit | Residence card or equivalent document issued by a Schengen country |
| Family members of EU citizens | Subject to conditions, in accordance with applicable agreements |
| Nationals of Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican | Not subject to ETIAS |
| Holders of valid long-stay visas or EU work permits | Exempt for the duration of the document’s validity |
| Diplomatic personnel | Diplomatic or service passports, depending on bilateral agreements |
| NATO military personnel | Exempt when traveling on official business with valid travel orders |
Conditions related to the purpose of the trip
The ETIAS authorization allows you to travel to Europe for tourism or business purposes. It will also be possible to transit through Europe with an ETIAS. However, the ETIAS does not allow you to work, study long-term, or settle permanently in the Schengen Area. In these cases, a long-stay visa or a work permit is required. Visit our page on the difference between ETIAS and the Schengen visa to better understand which authorization applies to your situation.
Criminal record: Can you still get an ETIAS?
Individuals with a criminal record may submit an ETIAS application. An application is not automatically denied due to a criminal record. The ETIAS system conducts automated security checks against European and international databases (Europol, Interpol, SIS). The final decision depends on the nature of the criminal record and the applicable security criteria. If you have any doubts about your situation, please visit our page onETIAS refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions About ETIAS Requirements
Does a minor also need an ETIAS?
Yes. All travelers, regardless of age, need an individual authorization. Parents must submit an ETIAS application for each minor child, regardless of age. However, the €20 fee is waived for those under 18. For more details, visit our ETIAS for Children page.
Does ETIAS guarantee entry into the Schengen Area?
ETIAS does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. Upon arrival, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and will verify that you meet the entry requirements. ETIAS is a pre-authorization, not an absolute right of entry.
When should you apply?
The application must be submitted before departure. It is recommended that you submit it at least 72 hours in advance, although a response is often immediate. In some cases, additional checks may extend the processing time. Visit our page on ETIAS processing times to plan your application.
Do you need an ETIAS for a layover in Europe?
If your connecting flight goes through a Schengen airport, you will need an ETIAS authorization because you are entering the Schengen Area. For layovers outside the Schengen Area, an ETIAS authorization is not required. Visit our page on transit in Europe and ETIAS to find out the rules that apply to your itinerary.
