What to Know When Someone Else Applies for Your ETIAS

Once ETIAS starts, which at the time of writing was expected in the first half of 2025, it will be possible to ask a travel agent, a friend, or a family member to fill out and submit the application on your behalf. The process itself is designed to be a simple online task, but because it involves sensitive personal information, it is worth understanding how to delegate it safely. The three points below cover what matters most.

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Choose an intermediary you trust

Getting an ETIAS travel authorisation requires you to provide sensitive personal information, such as your passport data, home address and phone number. For that reason it is important to choose your intermediary carefully and to be alert to scammers. Whether it is a relative, a friend or a commercial travel agent, the person submitting your details should be someone you genuinely trust to handle that information responsibly.

Sign a formal declaration of representation

Both you and the intermediary will need to sign a formal declaration of representation. This document, which will be made available on the official ETIAS website, is written proof that you authorise the intermediary to fill out and submit the application on your behalf, or on behalf of a minor for whom you have parental authority or legal guardianship. If you are travelling as a group, note that every member of the group will need to complete a separate declaration.

Watch out for excessive service fees

Any intermediary must use the official ETIAS website or mobile app to submit the application, which carries a fee of EUR 20 per application. Commercial intermediaries may charge an additional fee for their services on top of that, so always check whether the extra charge is reasonable before agreeing to it. Understanding the official process first is the best protection: you can review how the ETIAS application works so you know exactly what you are paying for.