ETIAS-An easy to follow guide

If you are visiting the Schengen area for up to 90 days and you are a national of a non EU/EFTA country that doesn’t require a Schengen visa, from mid 2025 you will need to apply for an ETIAS (visa waiver) before travelling. This online process doesn’t take long to complete. In most cases, the application should be approved within a matter of minutes.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of 30 European Countries. It is linked to your passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

What does ETIAS allow me to do?

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of participating European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

ETIAS Frequently Asked Questions

Which Countries Require ETIAS to Visit Them?

An ETIAS is needed to visit the following countries:

ETIAS Countries — *Countries Requiring ETIAS*

Which Travellers Need ETIAS?

Citizens from many non-EFTA countries around the world can stay in the Schengen area (including Spain) visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, after which they must leave the entire Schengen area for 90 days (there’s a handy calculator here to help you work out your personal situation).

ETIAS

From mid 2025, a new system will be implemented so that travellers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Spain (and other Schengen countries) will need to apply for an ETIAS (visa waiver) before arriving.

Travellers using the passports from the following countries will need the ETIAS:

Which Travellers Don't Need ETIAS?

Citizens of EFTA countries
UK citizens benefiting from the withdrawal agreement (ie usually those who were resident in the EU at the time the UK withdrew from the union)
Citizens of countries that require a visa in order to visit. These currently include citizens of the following countries:

How Much does ETIAS Cost?

If you apply on the official ETIAS website, you will be charged a fee of €7. There are exemptions for those under 18 or over 70. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU nationals who have right to move freely throughout the European Union.

How Do I Get ETIAS?

To get the ETIAS, you will fill out simple details online such as

full name, date of birth, and nationality;
passport number, issue date, and expiry date;
contact details, including email address.

In most cases you will receive your ETIAS minutes after submitting the application

Once the system is operational, the best place to get it is directly via the official website

Once I have the ETIAS, what is the 90/180 rule?

A valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. In order to stay within the rules you must exit the entire area after your 90 days are up. Check out our handy calculator to help you stay within the rules here