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What’s the Purpose of an ETIAS Travel Authorization?

Published: Nov 9, 2023, 11:41am

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Which countries require etias authorizations, etias basics for canadian citizens.

If you’re planning to jet off to Europe, 2024 might be a good year to do it. The new program that requires Canadians to register before travelling to Europe is experiencing further delays and won’t be up and running until sometime in 2025. As of now, Canadians can still travel to Europe without this added step.

The program was slated to come into effect January 1, 2024. It will require 1.4 billion people—including Canadians—to get special travel authorization to enter the Schengen area of Europe. The restriction is part of an international effort to increase security. The new rules are being rolled out by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System [ETIAS]. The program was originally supposed to come into effect in 2021, but has experienced four delays so far. The most current one being caused by an IT delivery issue.

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Once ETIAS kicks off, travellers coming from once visa-exempt countries—including Canadian, American and British tourists—will be required to apply for the travel authorization and pay a small fee. It applies to people who plan to stay in participating countries for fewer than 90 days.

The new requirements are being established to help “identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors,” according to the European Commission website.

There are 30 mostly European countries that will require travel authorizations once ETIAS kicks off. You will have to show your passport, ETIAS documentation and any other entry requirements to border officers when entering these countries.

The ETIAS authorization is only good for short-term stays of 90 days or less; it is not a work visa. It’s recommended you complete a ETIAS application up to 96 days before your departure. The ETIAS information is linked to your passport and is valid for three years once the ETIAS application is completed. However, if you have to replace your passport for any reason, you’ll also need a new ETIAS travel authorization. (Your travel insurance company should be able to assist with a lost passport.)

People Who Need ETIAS Authorizations

You will need an ETIAS Authorization if any of the following apply to you:

• You’re not a European Union national.
• You’re a citizen of any country, including Canada whose nationals don’t currently need a visa for a short-term stay in a European Union country.
• You don’t have a residence permit or card issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
• Some travelers may be exempted from the requirement for an ETIAS travel authorization, so check before you apply.

How to Apply for ETIAS

Canadian citizens traveling to Europe can apply on the ETIAS website’s application section  once it becomes operational. For notifications in the meantime, you can sign up for emails at the website.

Cost of an ETIAS Travel Authorization

Currently, the ETIAS application fee is €7 ($10.15 CAD). It’s free for anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 70.

How Long ETIAS Is Good For

The ETIAS authorization is good for three years. You can only travel in a participating country for 90 days within any 180-day period. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorization must be valid for the duration of the stay.

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Natalie Campisi is a Los Angeles-based consumer finance reporter for Forbes Advisor. She’s covered a wide range of topics throughout her career—from mortgages and labor issues to elections—for several organizations including Bankrate, the Associated Press and the Tampa Tribune. In a past life, she was an editor for a mechanical watch magazine. Her work has appeared in publications such as CNBC, The Chicago Tribune, and MSN. You can find her on Twitter @nataliemcampisi

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Schengen area

The Schengen area is made up of 27 European countries that agreed to create common entry and exit requirements in order to remove the need for internal borders. As long as Schengen area entry requirements are met, the agreement allows foreigners to travel freely between participating countries without having to go through border controls (some exceptions apply, see below).

Schengen area countries

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Entry/exit requirements

The Schengen area has common rules about visas and controls at external borders and has abolished checks within its internal borders. However, some Schengen area countries may require you to register with local authorities shortly after you arrive, particularly when you are staying in private accommodations.

Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will count against the permitted 90 days.

If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the  high commission or embassy  of the country or countries to which you are travelling and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel. If you do not obtain the appropriate visa and you stay longer than the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported.

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter the Schengen area. If you do not have an entry stamp from your first Schengen port of entry, you may have problems if you encounter the local police (or other authorities) anywhere in the Schengen area during your visit or with immigration officials at the time of departure.

The European Commission’s  Migration and Home Affairs  web page provides more information and a calculator to help you to find the number of visa-free permitted travel days you have left in the Schengen area, taking into account your previous stays there.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls if there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security. Canadians wishing to enter a Schengen area country that has reintroduced internal border controls could be required to present a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country. For more information, visit the European Union’s  Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control web page.

• Factsheet: What is Schengen? , European Commission
• Schengen, Borders and Visa , European Commission

Canadians travelling to Europe will need a permit to enter some countries

2024 update: The EITAS program was delayed in October 2023. According to a news release, it is now expected to come into effect in 2025.

Canadians eyeing a trip to certain European countries next year will need to obtain a permit first.

Starting in 2024, Canadian travellers seeking a short-term visit to 30 countries including France, Switzerland, Spain and Greece must apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

The permit costs 7 euros, or about $10.25, and can be obtained on the ETIAS website or mobile app.

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It allows travellers to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and is valid for three years, or until the passport used in the application expires.

In addition to Canada, the new rules will apply to nearly 60 countries including the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

Travellers younger than 18 and older than 70 years are exempt from payment, as are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who can move freely in the European Union.

The official website of the European Union urges would-be visitors to apply for authorization well in advance of a planned trip, and before booking a plane ticket or hotel.

Canadian travellers to most of Europe are currently exempt from needing a visa and only require a valid passport for short stays.

European countries requiring ETIAS also include Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2023.

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Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024 will need a permit to enter some countries

Tourists eat in a traditional restaurant in Plaka district of Athens on Thursday, Oct.13, 2022. Canadians eyeing a trip to certain European countries next year will need to obtain a permit first. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Petros Giannakouris

Canadians eyeing a trip to certain European countries next year will need to obtain a permit first.

Starting in 2024, Canadian travellers seeking a short-term visit to 30 countries including France, Switzerland, Spain and Greece must apply to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

The permit costs 7 euros, or about $10.25, and can be obtained on the ETIAS website or mobile app.

It allows travellers to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and is valid for three years, or until the passport used in the application expires.

In addition to Canada, the new rules will apply to nearly 60 countries including the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

Travellers younger than 18 and older than 70 years are exempt from payment, as are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who can move freely in the European Union.

The official website of the European Union urges would-be visitors to apply for authorization well in advance of a planned trip, and before booking a plane ticket or hotel.

Canadian travellers to most of Europe are currently exempt from needing a visa and only require a valid passport for short stays.

European countries requiring ETIAS also include Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2023.

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ETIAS application form for Canadians

Etias europe application online.

Canadian citizens travelling to EU countries will soon need to apply for ETIAS online . Travellers from Canada can get a visa waiver for Europe in just a few simple steps.

How to apply for ETIAS from Canada

Completing the ETIAS application online is quick and easy for Canadian travellers . You need to fill out the ETIAS form with your details, pay the fees, and submit your form.

To apply for ETIAS for Canadians , you must meet the ETIAS requirements. This includes holding a valid passport. Have your passport on hand when getting started with your form.

When you apply for ETIAS your information is compared against a series of international databases . The mandatory ETIAS application to enter Europe makes travel safer—potential security risks can be detected.

The ETIAS application process for Canadians

To apply for an ETIAS with a Canadian passport you need to:

• Read each section carefully and fill in your details
• Answer each question honestly and accurately
• Review your completed ETIAS application form
• Pay the European visa waiver fee using a debit or credit card
• Submit your ETIAS form electronically

When can Canadians apply for ETIAS?

ETIAS will be operational from 2025. Canadians and other visa-exempt travellers can apply as soon as the system goes live .

Applying for ETIAS will not be mandatory right away . There will be a 6-month transitional period followed by a 6-month grace period.

Canadians will be encouraged to register when applications open . ETIAS is valid for 3 years and multiple trips to Schengen Area countries.

Filling out the ETIAS form from Canada

You can access the ETIAS application form online from Canada , or any other non-EU country. You need to fill out the ETIAS form with your:

• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Passport details
• Country of arrival in the EU
• Elegibility information

If you do not have confirmed travel plans, you can still apply for ETIAS. Include the country you intend to visit first then, once you have your approved ETIAS, you can change your plans.

The ETIAS application form will also include a series of security questions that should be answered in an honest manner. These questions are regarding travel plans, previous trips to conflict zones, and overall security.

The European Information and Travel Authorisation System automatically screens all applications. The details provided on the Canada ETIAS application form are cross-checked against international security databases to verify the individual’s eligibility to travel to Europe visa-free.

Security and eligibility questions on the ETIAS form

As indicated above, Canadian citizens need to provide some eligibility information on their application to enter Europe . This information is used to detect potential security risks.

You’re required to provide details of:

• Past criminal convictions
• Past travel to war or conflict zones
• Recent returns decisions

Canadians also need to declare if they have a family member who:

• Is a citizen of a country requiring ETIAS
• Is a third-country national with the right to move freely in the EU

If either of these apply, you’ll need to give some information about your family member.

Review your ETIAS application form

Make sure all the information you provide on your ETIAS application form matches your Canadian passport exactly .

Check your form carefully before you click submit—mistakes or missing information could lead to processing delays. Take special care when copying your passport number.

Receiving your approved ETIAS for Canadians

Most ETIAS applications from Canada are approved right away. If there are no alerts in the ETIAS security databases, an authorisation is approved following automatic processing.

You’ll be notified by email when your ETIAS application is approved . The authorisation is linked to your Canadian passport electronically. You’re now ready to travel.

If there is an alert in one of the security databases, the ETIAS application form is reviewed manually by the ETIAS National Unit responsible . Decisions are reached on a case-by-case basis.

You cannot travel to Europe if your ETIAS application is refused. You’ll be told the reason why your application was denied and provided with guidance on how to appeal the decision.

Can I apply again if a previous ETIAS application was rejected?

Yes, if a previous ETIAS application was unsuccessful, you can reapply. One rejection does not automatically mean your new application will also be denied.

ETIAS application process for Canadians

1. etias implementation.

ETIAS system expected launching date is set in 2025.

2. Meet ETIAS requirements

Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries will be eligible to apply for ETIAS, this includes Canadian passport holders . ETIAS is for short stays in Europe, up to 90 days per 180-day period.

3. Apply for ETIAS

Canadian travellers will need to apply for ETIAS before departure . ETIAS will be required to enter the Schengen Area visa-free from a third country.

4. Complete the ETIAS form

Candian citizens will need to provide personal information , passport details, and security information to complete the electronic ETIAS application form.

5. Pay the ETIAS fees

Candians will need to pay the ETIAS processing fee securely online by debit or credit card to complete their application.

6. ETIAS processing

ETIAS applications from Canada are automatically screened against EU security databases. Most will be approved at this stage, others may require manual processing.

7. Application decision

An ETIAS success rate of more than 95% is expected . Canadian applicants will be notified by email when a decision has been reached. ETIAS approval is required to travel. In case of a denied or ETIAS, applicants may be required to provide additional information.

8. Verification when boarding

ETIAS will be checked when boarding international transport bound for Europe. Canadian citizens will not be allowed to board a plane, ferry, or train with a Schengen Country as destination without a valid ETIAS..

9. Arrival in the EU

Schengen border guards will verify each Canadian traveller’s ETIAS and other travel documents. European officials decide whether to grant entry.

10. Visit Europe with ETIAS

Canadian ETIAS holders can enjoy up to 90 days in most European countries in any 180-day period. The same ETIAS is valid for tourism, business, and transit in all Schengen Area countries .

Can an ETIAS be revoked or annulled?

An approved ETIAS can be revoked if:

• The holder no longer meets the ETIAS conditions
• There is evidence that the holder did not meet the conditions at the time they applied

ETIAS may be annulled or revoked by the member state holding the evidence that conditions are not met, of the ETIAS National Unit of the first country of entry indicated on the application form.

You should check the status of your ETIAS before travelling to Europe in case there have been any changes.

Can ETIAS travel authorisation be extended?

ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years and cannot be extended . You need to apply for a new ETIAS when it expires.

The total stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period, you cannot apply to stay longer.

If you wish to stay in any country in the Schengen zone for a period longer than 90 days, you will have to process and apply for a different permit. ETIAS is not a visa and cannot be used to live, work, or study in Europe for an extended period of time.

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System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries (starting in the second half of 2024)

Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries (starting in mid-2025)

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

• European Commission
• Europe travel
• European Union

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

Many countries across the world require you to have a few months left on your passport at the time of travel – here are the main holiday destinations to watch out for, article bookmarked.

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You might think that you can just hop on a plane with an in-date passport and travel the world. In fact, many countries demand that visitors have months left on their passport before it expires.

Some – including Australia , Canada and the US – only require your travel document to be in date for the duration of your trip.

But others give a more restrictive time frame, with no real pattern from region to region – while most of Asia requires six months on your passport, for example, different Caribbean islands demand different time frames.

In some destinations, you can also be caught out for not having enough space left in your passport for new immigration stamps.

Here are the key passport validity rules for British passports for the world’s top holiday destinations.

• Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos
• When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?
• This is the best time to renew your passport to save money

Valid for the duration of your stay

These countries only ask that your passport is valid until the day you leave the country.

*While this is technically the rule for Canada, if you have six months or less on your passport, it may take longer for you to get through immigration.

Valid for one day

Costa Rica requires Britons to have one day’s validity from the day of their departure.

Valid for three months

All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is true for the following countries:

• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

These non-European countries also require three months’ validity on your day of departure:

• British Virgin Islands
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• South Korea

Valid for six months

In most cases, this means valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country, but it’s worth checking the Foreign Office’s individual entry requirements for the country you’re visiting to make sure.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
• Madagascar*
• Philippines
• South Africa*
• United Arab Emirates

*South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya also require you to have two blank pages left in your passport; Namibia requires one blank page.

Valid for 180 days

India requires a more specific 180 days of validity from the date you arrive. It also asks visitors to have two blank pages available for their visa.

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