What is ETIAS?
The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s 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.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these 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 requirements for travel to Europe
To apply for an ETIAS, you will need a passport, a computer or mobile device with an internet connection, and a valid form of payment. We estimate that the application will take 20 minutes to complete, but this may vary depending on the number of additional fields you must fill out.
Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation
Through our website, www.etiastregistration.co.uk, you can submit an application for your ETIAS. Applying for an ETIAS using our service, E.R.V.V.S.TM, will be faster and more efficient, as our AI-driven system will help you with all of the application processing requirements and make sure that your information is "validated and verified," helping you to obtain an ETIAS. All applications for our services are verified using our very own E.R.V.V.S.TM (ETIAS Registration Verification and Validation System). With E.R.V.V.S.TM , every application will be guaranteed to be free of errors, which also speeds up and simplifies the whole process.
Processing your ETIAS application
Most applications are processed within minutes.
It is possible, however, that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
Once you have applied
You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application, which will include your unique ETIAS application number. Make sure you keep this number for future reference.
You will get another email once your application has been evaluated informing you about your application status.
When you get your ETIAS travel authorisation please make sure your name, passport number, and other information are correct. If there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border.
If your application is refused, the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal, the details of the competent authority, and the relevant time limit for appealing.
Validity period of your ETIAS
Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.
It is for short-term stays: 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.
You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.
On arrival at the border
As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document that you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus, or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.
Your ETIAS Check-list
- Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance—before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation.
- Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation; you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match.
- Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid.
- Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS.
- Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS; you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).
Who should apply for ETIAS?
Find out which European countries require an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply, and who is exempt.
European countries requiring ETIAS
These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation.
Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation
Nationals of any of these visa-exempt countries need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
If you come from any of these countries and plan to visit any of the 30 European countries listed above for a short-term stay, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation.
There are specific travel document requirements for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries; make sure to check if these apply to the travel document you have.
ETIAS for nationals of visa-required countries
In some cases, nationals of visa-required countries may not need to apply for a visa and can travel with an ETIAS travel authorisation instead. This applies to you if you are:
Travelling to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS on a school trip
This applies only to students who are nationals of visa-required countries and are residing on the territory of any of these countries, including Switzerland and Lichtenstein. You must travel with other school students and be accompanied by a teacher. Also, you must be exempt from the requirement to have a visa to enter the territory of all the European countries requiring ETIAS that you intend to visit during your trip; make sure to check which requirements apply to you. You must meet all these conditions to be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
Important: To avoid any problems at the border, before your travel, please contact the consulates of all the countries you intend to visit to confirm that your personal situation exempts you from the obligation to have a visa.
A recognised refugee who resides in and holds a travel document issued by any of these countries or Ireland, and you are not required to have a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS you intend to visit.
You must meet all these conditions to be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Make sure to check which travel requirements apply to you.
Important: To avoid any problems at the border, before your travel, please contact the consulates of all the countries you intend to visit to confirm that your personal situation exempts you from the obligation to have a visa.
A member of the armed forces who is travelling on NATO or Partnership for Peace business, or if you hold an identification and movement order provided for by the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the Status of their Forces
Please note that you may be relieved from the requirement to have an ETIAS travel authorisation if you are travelling with a travel document issued by NATO, as provided for in Part 3 of Decision No. 1105/2011/EU of the European Parliament and the Council. Make sure to check which requirements apply to you.
Important: To avoid any problems at the border, before your travel, please contact the consulates of all the countries you intend to visit to confirm that your personal situation exempts you from the obligation to have a visa.
ETIAS for stateless persons
You will need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you are a stateless person who resides in and holds a travel document issued by any of these countries or Ireland, and you are not required to have a visa to travel to the European countries requiring ETIAS you intend to visit.
You must meet all these conditions to be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Make sure to check which travel requirements apply to you.
Important: To avoid any problems at the border, before your travel, please contact the consulates of all the countries you intend to visit to confirm that your personal situation exempts you from the obligation to have a visa.
Who does not need an ETIAS travel authorisation
You will not need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you are:
A national of a European country requiring ETIAS
A national of any of the countries who needs a visa to travel to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS
In certain cases, nationals of the above countries may be exempt from the obligation to have a visa. In those cases, you may need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead; check the lists above to see if this applies to you.
A national of the United Kingdom who is a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement
UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS: they may reside on the territory of their EU host country and travel to other European countries requiring ETIAS as long as they hold documents proving their status.
A national of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican, or Ireland
A refugee, a stateless person, or a person who does not hold the nationality of any country and you reside in any of the European countries requiring ETIAS and hold a travel document issued by that country
A holder of a residence permit or a residence card issued by any European country requiring ETIAS
Other documents authorising your stay on the territory of these countries are also accepted, if they are in line with Article 2 point 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399. Please consult the issuing authority to confirm if your document meets these requirements.
A holder of a uniform visa
A holder of a national long-stay visa
A holder of a local border traffic permit, but only within the context of the local border traffic
A holder of a diplomatic, service, or special passport
This exemption applies to the nationals of countries that have concluded international agreements with the EU which allow the holders of diplomatic, service or special passports to travel without a visa. This means that nationals of the following countries can travel to these European countries both without an ETIAS travel authorisation and without a visa:
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, and China (holders of diplomatic passports only)
- Cape Verde (holders of diplomatic and service/official passports only)
- Belarus (holders of diplomatic biometric passports only)
Holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports from other countries are also excluded from the obligation to hold an ETIAS travel authorisation. However, they may be obliged to have a visa to visit the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Before your travel, please contact the consulates of the countries you intend to visit to check if you need a visa.
A holder of a travel document issued by an intergovernmental international organisation provided for in Part 3 of Decision No. 1105/2011/EU of the European Parliament and the Council
Important note: You may still need a visa to visit the European countries requiring ETIAS. Before you travel, always check with the relevant consulates if you need one.
An intra-corporate transferee, a student, or a researcher exercising your right to mobility in accordance with Directive 2014/66/EU or Directive (EU) 2016/801
Crew members
You may need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you are:
A civilian air or sea crew member on duty
Since the European countries requiring ETIAS have different requirements for air and sea crew members, always check before you travel which requirements apply to you.
A civilian sea crew member going ashore holds a seafarer's identity document
Since the European countries requiring ETIAS have different requirements for sea crew members, always check before you travel which requirements apply to you.
A crew or member of an emergency or rescue mission in the event of a disaster or accident
Conditions for the entry and exit of members of rescue services, police, and fire brigades acting in emergency situations, as well as border guards crossing the border in exercise of their professional tasks, are laid down by national law. European countries that require ETIAS may also enter into bilateral agreements with non-EU countries for these categories of people. Before you travel, always check which requirements apply to you.
A civilian crew member of ships navigating in international inland waters
Since the European countries requiring ETIAS have different requirements for sea crew members, always check before you travel which requirements apply to you.
Nationals of the United Kingdom
UK nationals are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation if they travel to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay (90 days in any 180-day period).
UK nationals who wish to stay longer must meet the entry requirements in accordance with national or EU migration law, such as holding a visa or residence permit.
ETIAS exemptions for UK nationals who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement
UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS: they may reside on the territory of their EU host country and travel to other European countries requiring ETIAS as long as they hold documents proving their status.
For more information, please check out this website.
ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity
Learn about when to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity and what implications it has for your travel.
When to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity
You may request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity if you fulfill both of the following conditions:
- You need to travel due to humanitarian reasons or in order to fulfill important obligations.
- You expect that your ETIAS application may not be accepted or that your authorisation has already been refused, annulled, or revoked.
The decision to issue an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity lies exclusively with the authorities of the countries requiring ETIAS. Some examples of the circumstances they may take into account when considering such a request include:
- life-threatening illness of the applicant or close relatives
- the applicant’s wish to attend the funeral of their ascending or descending family member
- urgent medical cases
- participation in inter-governmental conferences
- an obligation to appear in court
- granting of rights of transit with a temporary stay
What does an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity allow you to do
Unlike a standard ETIAS travel authorisation, an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity does not allow you to travel to all 30 European countries requiring ETIAS, but only to those that are explicitly defined in your travel authorisation.
The length of an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity is decided by the national authorities and can be up to a maximum of 90 days from the moment you enter the countries for which it was issued. You can use it for multiple entries.
How to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity
You can request an ETIAS with limited validity after you have submitted an application for an ETIAS travel authorisation. In your request, you will need to provide the reasons why you are applying—on humanitarian grounds or due to important obligations—and specify the countries you need to travel to.
The authorities of the country you intend to visit may request that you provide additional information or documentation before your request can be processed.
What happens next
You will receive an email informing you about the outcome of your request. If you are granted an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity, the email will indicate the start and end dates of the authorisation and the countries to which you are authorised to travel.
If your request is refused, you will have the right to appeal.
Please remember that an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity only allows you to enter the territory of the specific countries for which it has been issued.
Your ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity will expire if you are issued a new ETIAS travel authorisation valid for all European countries requiring ETIAS.
What you need to apply
Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.
Travel documents
To apply, you will need a valid travel document to which a visa may be affixed.
Your travel document should not expire in less than three months, and it should not be older than 10 years.
A travel document that does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process. It may also pose problems when a carrier verifies your travel authorisation prior to boarding.
Not all travel documents are accepted for ETIAS
Specific requirements apply to travel documents issued by some countries and special administrative regions, entities, and territorial authorities that are not recognised as states by at least one European country requiring ETIAS. These requirements have an impact on whether holders of such travel documents are required to have an ETIAS or are obliged to apply for a visa to enter any of these European countries:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro
If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
If you hold a biometric passport issued by the respective country authorities in line with standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Serbia
If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. You will need a visa to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS if you have any other type of passport or a passport issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate ('Koordinaciona uprava').
Hong Kong S.A.R.
If you hold a 'Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Macao S.A.R.
If you hold a ‘Região Administrativa Especial de Macau’ passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Taiwan
If you hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes an identity card number, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. If you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Information
When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Personal information, including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address, and phone number;
- information on travel documents;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, previous trips to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been ordered to leave the territory of any country.
You will need to declare that the data you submit and the statements you make are correct. You will also need to confirm that you understand the entry conditions to the territories of the European countries requiring ETIAS and that you may be requested to provide the relevant supporting documents each time you cross the external border.
If someone is submitting the application on your behalf, that person will have to provide their
surname, first name(s), the name and contact details of the organisation or firm (if applicable), as well as information on their relationship to you and a confirmation that this person and you have signed the declaration of representation.
Applications for minors (under 18 years of age) have to be submitted by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship.
Application Fee
The price per application using the ERVVSTM will be £39.99 per person.
The price for any person who has a disability and two family members or their registered caregiver will be £24.00 per person.
Children under the age of 17 will be charged £12.00 per person.
Applying on behalf of others
Learn how to authorise someone to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation on your behalf and what to be careful about.
How to authorise somebody to apply on your behalf
You can either apply for your ETIAS travel authorisation yourself, or you can nominate a third party—another person or a commercial intermediary—to do so on your behalf. The third party will submit your application through the official ETIAS website or the mobile app.
Both you and the third party will need to sign a declaration of representation. It authorises the third party to compile and submit an ETIAS travel authorisation application.
- on your behalf,
- on behalf of a minor over whom you exercise parental authority,
- on behalf of a person over whom you exercise legal guardianship.
Make sure you keep a copy of the signed document in your files; it constitutes proof that you have authorised somebody else to submit your application and that you have entrusted them with your personal data.
The third party should also keep a copy of the signed declaration of representation for the same reason.
One declaration of representation per traveller
You will need to fill out a separate declaration of representation for each traveller. For example, if you choose to entrust a travel agency to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation on behalf of your family, consisting of a mother, a father, two children, and a disabled person over whom you exercise legal guardianship, you will need to provide five separate declarations.
What to be careful about
Be aware of scammers
You should select a third party that you trust, as you will provide them with very sensitive information, such as your personal data, including passport details.
Make sure the intermediary uses your personal email address when applying for your travel authorisation
When applying on your behalf, it is important for the third party to provide an email address that you have personal access to in the application. This email address will be used for communication between you and the ETIAS authorities for the entire validity of your travel authorisation. If you do not have access to the email address provided in the application, you may lose important information regarding your application and travel authorisation.
Make sure your data is correct
We advise you to ask the third party to share with you a copy of the draft application before they submit it. This will allow you to confirm that the data they included in the application is correct.
Although the third party will need to confirm on your behalf the authenticity, completeness, correctness, and reliability of the data submitted and of the statements made, you remain personally responsible for them.
If the information provided in your application is incorrect, your ETIAS travel authorisation may be refused, revoked, or annulled. You will also be refused boarding and entry to the European countries requiring ETIAS if the data in your travel document does not correspond to the data in your ETIAS travel authorisation. Read more about what to do if there is a mistake in your application.
Make sure you understand what signing the declaration of representation means
The declaration representation authorizes the third party to process your personal data, which is governed by the rules that apply to you, such as your residence country.
If you have questions about the declaration of representation and the powers granted to the third party, you should seek legal advice before signing the form.
Your right to appeal
Find out how to appeal a decision related to your ETIAS travel authorisation or data protection rights.
If your application for an ETIAS travel authorisation is refused, or if your ETIAS travel authorisation is revoked or annulled, you will receive an email indicating the grounds for the refusal and the authority that took the decision.
You have the right to appeal. The email will include information as to which European countries you should appeal to and describe the relevant procedure. Appeals are handled in accordance with the national laws of those countries.
If your travel authorisation is revoked at your own request, it is not possible to appeal the decision.
About ETIAS travel authorisation
When does ETIAS enter into force?
It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be operational in 2025.
Who should apply for an ETIAS?
As a general rule, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you meet all the following criteria:
- you are not an EU national;
- you are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for short-term stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS;
- you do not have a residence permit/card/document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS
Some travellers may be exempted from the requirement to have an ETIAS travel authorisation, so please check the sections on who should apply and exemptions before filling out the application.
Please note that some visa-required travellers may also apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation – check here for more information.
Is ETIAS equivalent to a residence permit or a visa?
No. Having the travel authorisation only allows you to enter and remain on the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay.
Also, it does not give you the right to study long-term or to work in these countries. If you plan to stay in a European country requiring ETIAS for a longer period, you will most likely need a long-term visa.
Travellers with a valid visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorisation.
I come from a visa-exempt country and I want to study in Europe; do I need an ETIAS?
If you want to come to Europe to study for more than 90 days, you will need a student visa. For shorter study programmes, you can apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Please contact the consulate of the country you intend to study in for further details.
I come from a visa-exempt country and I want to work in Europe; do I need an ETIAS?
No, if you wish to work in one of the European countries requiring ETIAS, you will need to apply for a work visa. However, if you are travelling only to attend a business conference or meeting, you can apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Please contact the consulate of the country you intend to work in for further details.
I come from a visa-exempt country. Will I be refused entry if I do not have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation?
Yes. Unless you fall under one of the exceptions, you are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. Travellers without such authorisation will be refused entry at the border.
Can I be refused entry if I have a valid ETIAS in hand?
Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not automatically grant you the right to enter the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS. All travellers arriving at the border are still subject to border checks, and border guards will refuse entry to those who do not meet the entry conditions.
Do I need to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorisation every time I travel to the European countries requiring ETIAS?
No. Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can leave and return as many times as you wish, as long as you respect the overall limit of your authorised stay.
Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation
How do I apply?
You can simply apply through our website, and we will handle all the necessary requirements for you.
When should I apply?
We strongly advise you to obtain the ETIAS travel authorisation before you buy your tickets and book your hotels. Most applications will be processed within minutes, and at the latest within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to an additional 30 days.
What kind of travel document can I use to apply for ETIAS?
You need a travel document that is recognised by the European countries requiring ETIAS. Please check here or here to find out if your travel document is recognised by the countries you intend to visit.
Your travel document should be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS and should not be older than 10 years. This requirement does not apply to family members of EU citizens or those of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union. Check here for more information about what type of passport or travel document you need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
My travel document expires in less than three months; can I still apply and travel?
We advise you not to travel with a document that will expire soon.
While it is possible to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation using a travel document that is valid for less than three months from the date you submit the application, you should be aware that you will be refused entry at the border unless you have very good reasons to be accepted (for example, humanitarian grounds).
This requirement does not apply to family members of EU citizens or those of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.
My travel document is not recognised by all the European countries requiring ETIAS. Can I still apply for ETIAS and travel?
You can apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation, but you are only allowed to enter and stay in those European countries requiring ETIAS that recognise your travel document.
The border authorities may exceptionally allow you to enter a country that does not recognise your travel document in a justified case of emergency, humanitarian grounds, national interest, or because of important obligations.
