Flying to Europe with ETIAS

Preparing before your flight

Starting in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS becomes a new requirement for air travellers arriving in Europe. Before booking your flight, you must apply online for your travel authorisation on the official ETIAS website or mobile app. The application process is simple and can be completed in minutes. Once approved, your ETIAS will be linked to the passport you used for the application. This is crucial: you must travel with the exact same passport document when flying to Europe. If you bring a different passport, you will not be allowed to board your flight, even with a valid ETIAS authorization.

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At the airport and border

When checking in and boarding your flight, your airline will verify that your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid and matches your passport. This pre-departure check is your first control point. After landing in Europe, your ETIAS will be checked again at the border crossing point. Keep in mind that the total length of your stay across all ETIAS-required European countries cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. This limit applies cumulatively across the 30 participating countries, with the exception of Cyprus, where the 90-day allowance is calculated separately.

Transit and stay rules

If you are stopping over in an ETIAS country to change flights, whether for a few minutes or several hours, the requirement for ETIAS depends on where you transit. If you remain in the international transit area of the airport without passing through passport control, you do not need an ETIAS. However, if you leave the international transit zone or must pass through passport control to reach your connecting flight or change airports, you will need a valid ETIAS authorisation. Understanding these transit rules helps you plan layovers and connecting flights with confidence.