ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

An electronic pre-travel authorisation required for visa-exempt nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays once the system goes live (currently scheduled for late 2026 following multiple postponements). Modelled on the US ESTA, ETIAS requires applicants to submit biographic, passport, and travel-purpose information before travel; the authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport expires. ETIAS is not a visa and does not by itself confer the right to enter — admission decisions remain with border officers. The fee is €7 for travellers aged 18–70.