ETIAS, the European travel waiver for the Schengen Area.
The visa-free way to visit 26 European countries.
Welcome to our online resource to help you get ready for ETIAS, the European Travel Information System going into effect January 1, 2021. ETIAS is the simple, stress-free solution for short term travel throughout the Schengen Zone, a group of 26 countries that eliminated internal border controls so travelers could move freely through Europe. Many of the Schengen Area countries are in the European Union (EU), and some are associate members, such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein.
With an approved ETIAS, you can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can find more comprehensive information in our ETIAS Guide.
ETIAS is easy, and it can save you time and money.
All you need to apply is a valid passport and a completed ETIAS application. Because it's a visa waiver, you don't have to navigate through the complexity of applying for a Schengen European visa . Unlike a visa application, ETIAS doesn't require an interview at embassy or consulate. This alone can save you a significant amount of stateside travel and associated costs to get to the embassy or consulate nearest to you - giving you more time and money to spend when you actually travel to Europe.
ETIAS approval is quick.
Approval often takes minutes once your ETIAS application is complete, and the maximum amount of time for approval is only four days - for a traditional visa, approval can take up to fourteen days after your visit to the nearest embassy or consulate.
Find out if you're ETIAS eligible.
To apply for an ETIAS, you need to be a citizen of one of 61 ETIAS eligible countries . Learn more and sign up for our newsletter to receive ETIAS updates.
ETIAS - European Travel Waiver vs. Schengen Visa
There are significant differences between ETIAS and a traditional visa. If you are traveling for 90 days or less within a 180-day period, an ETIAS visa waiver is an easier, faster and overall simpler option.
Here’s a quick overview of the differences between the two:
The Overall Process
ETIAS: Simple, requiring an application and a valid passport
Visa: Complicated and time consuming, requiring multiple documents and an in-person interview
How You Apply
ETIAS: 100% online
Visa: A combination of online visa application download and in-person interview at embassy / consulate of the first country on your itinerary
What You Need to Apply
ETIAS: Valid passport and completed ETIAS application
Visa: Valid passport, completed visa application and multiple additional documents depending on the type of visa applied for, including a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip, itinerary, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of paid visa fees and temporary travel medical insurance.
Embassy/Consulate Requirements
ETIAS: None
Visa: Must interview at embassy / consulate of first country on itinerary
Approval Time
ETIAS: Approval often takes minutes, but can take a maximum of four days
Visa: Approval can take up to 2 weeks
Travel Purposes Covered
ETIAS: Tourism, short-term business such as a conference and qualifying medical procedures – for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period
VISA: If you’re going to be working long term for a company in the Schengen Area or studying abroad, you’ll need to apply for a visa
How Long You Can Stay
ETIAS: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Visa: Length of stay depends upon the type of visa and embassy / consulate approval
