Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS approval before visiting most European countries. Here's what you need to know about the new travel authorization system, including costs, application process, and how it differs from a visa.
Big changes are coming for Americans traveling to Europe. Starting in late 2026, you'll need to get approved through a new system called ETIAS before you can visit most European countries. If you've ever applied for an ESTA to visit the United States, you already know the general idea. It's quick, it's online, and it's not a visa. But there are some important details you'll want to know before booking that trip to Paris or Rome.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. According to the EU's official guidance, it's "an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals similar to ones already in place in the United States (ESTA), Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia."
The key thing to understand: ETIAS is not a visa. It's an electronic pre-screening system that checks whether you pose any security, immigration, or health risks before you board your flight. Think of it as a quick background check that happens before you even leave home.
One important note: having an approved ETIAS doesn't guarantee you'll be allowed into Europe. Border officers still have the final say when you arrive. But without ETIAS approval, you won't be able to board your flight, ferry, or train to begin with.
When Does ETIAS Start?
ETIAS is expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026 (October through December). The European Commission has said they'll announce the exact start date at least six months in advance, so you'll have plenty of warning.
You might have heard about changes that already started in October 2025. That's a related but separate system called the Entry/Exit System (EES), which collects fingerprints and facial images at European borders. ETIAS will launch after EES is fully rolled out across all border crossings.
Current status (January 2026): ETIAS is not yet operational. Right now, Americans still only need a valid passport to visit Europe for short stays. Don't fall for websites claiming to process ETIAS applications today.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
The ETIAS fee is €20 (roughly $22-23 USD at current exchange rates). This was originally planned to be just €7, but the European Commission announced in July 2025 that the fee would increase to cover operational costs and align with similar programs in other countries.
Good news if you're traveling with family: Children under 18 and adults over 70 don't have to pay the fee at all. Family members of EU citizens who have free movement rights are also exempt.
Keep in mind: The €20 fee is non-refundable, even if your application gets denied. Make sure all your information is accurate before you submit.
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS will be required for entry to 30 European countries. This includes all 29 members of the Schengen Area, plus Cyprus (which is in the EU but hasn't fully joined Schengen yet).
Here's the full list:
Notable exceptions: Ireland does not require ETIAS and has its own visa policy. The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) is also not part of this system and has a separate UK ETA requirement.
How to Apply for ETIAS
When the system goes live, you'll apply through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. The application typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and most people get approved within minutes. Some applications may take up to 4 days, and if additional information is needed, it could extend to 30 days.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport (must be machine-readable and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Europe)
- Email address (where you'll receive your approval)
- Payment method (credit or debit card for the €20 fee)
Information You'll Provide
The application asks for your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, address), passport information, and contact details. You'll also answer background questions about:
- Any health conditions that could pose a public health risk
- Criminal history
- Previous immigration issues or visa refusals
- Travel to conflict zones or war-torn regions
Watch out for scams: The EU warns that many websites falsely claim to be official ETIAS application sites. Some may steal your personal data or charge extra fees. The only official ETIAS website will be on the europa.eu domain.
How Long is ETIAS Valid?
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. So if your passport expires in 18 months, your ETIAS will only be good for 18 months too.
During that validity period, you can make unlimited trips to ETIAS countries. Each visit is still subject to the standard Schengen rule: you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Planning multiple trips? Keeping track of your 90/180 days can get tricky, especially if you're hopping between countries. The Days Monitor app automatically tracks your travel days in the background, so you always know exactly how many days you have left.
What If Your ETIAS Application is Denied?
If your application is denied, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons for denial include:
- Your passport has been reported lost, stolen, or invalidated
- You're flagged as a security, immigration, or public health risk
- You've previously been refused entry to a Schengen country
- There are concerns about the accuracy of your application
If you're denied, you have the right to appeal to the EU member state that made the decision. You can also submit a new application immediately since there's no waiting period. A previous denial doesn't automatically mean you'll be denied again, as each application is evaluated on its own merits.
For urgent humanitarian situations (like a funeral or medical emergency), you may be able to request a limited validity authorization even after a denial.
What About the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
You might be wondering about the fingerprint scanning that started at European borders in October 2025. That's the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is separate from ETIAS but works alongside it.
The US State Department confirms that EES collects "fingerprints, facial image, passport details, and entry and exit dates" from non-EU travelers. This data replaces the old passport stamps and is stored for three years.
EES is rolling out gradually across all border crossings, with full implementation expected by April 2026. During the transition, you may still get passport stamps at some crossings.
Important: Providing your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) is mandatory under EU law. If you refuse at the border, you will be denied entry. Children under 12 are exempt from the fingerprint requirement but still go through the rest of the process.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you're traveling to Europe before late 2026, you don't need to worry about ETIAS yet. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date, and be prepared for biometric collection (fingerprints and photo) at the border under the EES system.
For trips planned in late 2026 or beyond, keep an eye on the official announcement of the exact ETIAS launch date. Bookmark the official EU travel site at travel-europe.europa.eu so you know where to apply when the time comes.
And remember, even with ETIAS, you're still limited to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. If you're planning extended travel or multiple trips, our free Schengen calculator can help you figure out exactly how many days you have available. For automatic tracking that works in the background while you travel, check out the Days Monitor app.
Travel requirements and entry rules can change. Always verify current requirements with the official ETIAS website or your destination country's embassy before you travel.
Track Your Schengen Days
Don't let visa calculations stress you out. Our free Schengen calculator tracks your 90/180 days automatically.
Try Our Free Calculator