Seven Myths and Facts About ETIAS, Explained

As the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) moves closer to launch, plenty of myths have grown up around it. Drawing on the official information, here are seven common misunderstandings — and the facts that correct them — so you know what to expect before you travel.

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How many countries, and is it a visa?

Myth: ETIAS is required only for the 27 Schengen countries. In fact, visa-free travellers will need a valid ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries. These include the Schengen states as well as Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus.

Myth: ETIAS is a new visa for the 60-odd nationalities that previously did not need one. ETIAS is not a visa. Similar travel authorisations already exist for visa-exempt nationals of the US, Canada and Australia. Unlike a visa, you apply online without visiting a consulate, and no biometric data is collected as part of the application. The authorisation only allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and does not grant the right to work, study or live long-term — those who plan to stay longer will usually need a national long-stay visa.

Myth: many websites can be used to apply for ETIAS. There is only one official ETIAS website. Plenty of unofficial sites run by commercial intermediaries exist, and while applying on someone's behalf is allowed under the ETIAS Regulation, travellers should be wary of scammers.

Validity, age and what you need to provide

Myth: ETIAS will be valid for five years. An ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years, or until the passport used in the application expires — whichever comes first.

Myth: if your ETIAS is refused, you can apply for a Schengen visa instead. Visa-exempt travellers cannot simply switch to a visa if their ETIAS is refused; a visa and an ETIAS are different authorisations for different categories of traveller. Without a valid ETIAS, a visa-exempt traveller will not be allowed to cross the external border.

Myth: only people aged 18 to 70 need to apply. All visa-free travellers, regardless of age, will need an ETIAS authorisation. However, applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from paying the application fee.

Myth: applicants must provide medical information. No medical information is required. The application asks for personal details such as your address, passport information and current occupation, plus questions about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions.

The takeaway

The recurring theme across these myths is that ETIAS is a quick, online pre-travel authorisation — not a visa, not a medical questionnaire, and not a five-year permit. Knowing the real rules helps you avoid both unnecessary worry and unofficial websites. If you want to double-check who has to apply and how, our guide on how to apply for ETIAS walks through the steps.