The EU Visa Waiver (ETIAS): What It Is and What Changes for Travellers

The European Union is planning a new travel requirement for visitors who currently enter without a visa. Known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), it is a visa waiver similar to the United States' ESTA. Under the plan as set out in 2024, travellers from the UK and a list of other non-EU countries will need to obtain it before heading to 30 European countries.

The waiver covers the Schengen area, which includes almost every EU state except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Here is what you need to know about how it is expected to operate and when it should begin.

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How the scheme works

Today, visitors from the UK and more than 60 other non-EU countries — including the US, Japan and Australia — can travel to the borderless Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Under ETIAS, that stays the same in duration, but an extra step is added: eligible travellers must apply for a waiver before they go.

Once granted, the document is linked to your passport and checked by border guards when you cross into the EU. It will be valid for three years and allow an unlimited number of visits. Because it is tied to the passport, if your passport expires within those three years you will need to apply for a new ETIAS when you renew it.

Cost, validity and who is exempt

The waiver is expected to cost €7 for most applicants — which the European Commission has described as far cheaper than the US ESTA. The fee applies to anyone aged between 18 and 70. It will be free for children under 18 and for travellers over 70.

Applications will be made online or through a mobile app, with a form the EU describes as a short procedural step that takes around 10 minutes. Applicants provide passport details and answer background questions on matters such as criminal records and certain medical conditions. The EU says more than 95% of applications will be approved automatically within minutes, though some cases may take up to 72 hours, and in exceptional circumstances up to four weeks.

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When it starts and how it fits with EES

At the time of writing the EU had not fixed a firm start date, with its website pointing to the first half of 2025. The requirement was also expected to be eased during an initial period of at least six months, during which travellers were encouraged — but not strictly required — to hold a waiver.

ETIAS is closely linked to a separate scheme, the Entry/Exit System (EES), which was due to launch on 10 November and will register fingerprints, a photo and passport details at the border in place of manual stamping. The EU says the combination will strengthen security checks on visa-free travellers and help assess potential risks. If you want to get ahead of the change, our guide on how to apply for ETIAS walks through the steps.