ETIAS visa waiver explained

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The year 2022 marks the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a new visa‑waiver scheme for travel to Europe’s Schengen Area. The system is designed as an online pre‑travel authorisation intended to strengthen border security.

ETIAS does not apply to every visitor. Only travellers from countries that already enjoy visa‑free access to Schengen will be able to use it. Nationals who currently require a visa will continue to follow standard visa procedures.

For eligible travellers, ETIAS offers a simplified alternative to a traditional visa. Registration is completed online prior to departure, removing the need for embassy appointments.

Annex II — visa waiver countries for Schengen

The Schengen Area, made up of EU and EFTA member states, maintains a list of countries whose citizens may enter without a visa. These exemptions are formally known as “Annex II” countries.

Following Brexit, the United Kingdom joined this list as a non‑EU country. British passport holders may currently enter Schengen without a visa and, from 2022, will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling.

In total, Annex II covers more than 60 countries and territories. Passport holders from the following countries will need an ETIAS visa waiver to visit Schengen visa‑free from 2022:

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• El Salvador
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Palau
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Timor Leste
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela

Four additional Annex II states — Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City — are European microstates. Their citizens will not need a visa or ETIAS to enter Schengen. However, travellers from other Annex II countries may use ETIAS to access these states as well.

What countries can you visit with the ETIAS?

ETIAS registration will be required for visa‑free travel to any country within the Schengen Area. The zone currently includes 26 European countries: 22 EU members and 4 EFTA states. Several other EU countries are in the process of joining, with Croatia noted as an upcoming member at the time of publication.

The Republic of Ireland remains outside Schengen and maintains its own visa policy. ETIAS authorisation does not grant entry to Ireland.

Due to open borders, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City function as de facto Schengen destinations. Access to these states requires entry through neighbouring Schengen countries, meaning ETIAS authorisation is effectively necessary.

How to get a visa waiver with the ETIAS

Obtaining ETIAS will involve completing a short online application before travelling to Europe. Applicants must provide basic personal information, passport details, and travel plans.

The system allows border authorities to carry out advance security checks. In the absence of alerts, authorisation is granted electronically.

ETIAS is valid for short‑term stays, covering tourism and business travel. It does not permit employment or long‑term residence. Travellers intending to live or work in a Schengen country must apply for the appropriate national visa or permit.

For eligible visitors, ETIAS represents a streamlined and accessible way to travel across Europe while maintaining border security standards.