For decades, citizens of certain countries have been able to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa. That is changing. The European Union is rolling out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, known as ETIAS, which will require pre-authorisation for all visa-exempt nationals entering any of the 30 Schengen countries.
ETIAS is not a visa — it is an electronic travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA or the Canadian eTA. Applications will be completed online, taking approximately 10 minutes. The authorisation will cost 7 euros for applicants aged 18 to 70, while those under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee. Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The application requires basic personal information, travel document details, and answers to a series of background and health questions. Most applicants will receive an automated decision within minutes, but some cases may be referred for manual review, which can take up to 30 days.
Countries whose citizens will require ETIAS include all current visa-exempt nations — such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and many African nations including South Africa. UK nationals will also need ETIAS following Brexit, as the UK is no longer part of the EU.
Akopwhales Global Services urges all clients planning European travel or study to monitor the official ETIAS launch date, which the European Union is expected to confirm in mid-2025. We will update this page as new information becomes available.