Everything You Need to Know About ETIAS and Schengen Changes
This guide answers your questions about ETIAS, the Entry/Exit System (EES), and Schengen updates for 2026 — clear steps, official links, packing & travel tips, and a full FAQ with schema for search engines. Read on and you'll know exactly what to do before you travel to Europe.
Quick snapshot — what changed and when
New online authorisation needed for most visa-exempt travellers to enter the Schengen area from 2026. Apply online; generally granted quickly for multiple trips.
Biometric digital system for collecting entries/exits of non-EU travellers. Rolled out from Oct 12, 2025 and expected to be fully deployed by April 10, 2026.
Schengen now includes 30 countries (EU + associates). Bulgaria and Romania joined on January 1, 2025 — remember to check the list for your destination.
What is ETIAS (and who needs it)?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It's an online authorisation for visitors from visa-exempt countries who plan short stays in the Schengen area and related member countries. You apply online, answer a few questions, pay a small fee, and most approvals come back quickly.
Who needs ETIAS?
If your passport normally lets you travel to Europe without a visa (for example, citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others), you'll likely need an ETIAS authorisation before boarding a plane or crossing into Schengen countries in 2026. Always check the official list before travel.
Is ETIAS a visa?
No — ETIAS is a travel authorisation (like an eTA in other countries). It does not replace visas for travellers who already need a Schengen visa. ETIAS is primarily for those who previously traveled visa-free.
How to apply for ETIAS — a simple step-by-step
Applying is quick if you have your documents ready. Below is a step-by-step you can follow right away.
Step-by-step checklist
- Check eligibility: Confirm your country is in the visa-exempt list (official ETIAS site has the list).
- Gather documents: Valid passport, an email address, and a payment card or method.
- Start online form: Fill the official ETIAS form at the EU site and answer health, travel, and security questions.
- Pay the fee: Pay the standard ETIAS processing fee online.
- Wait for decision: Most approvals are instant or within a few days. Keep the approval email or print it for travel.
- Use same passport: ETIAS links to the passport used in the application. If you get a new passport, apply again.
Apply only on the official ETIAS platform to avoid scams. Several commercial sites advertise help but charge extra. Use the europa.eu domain for the official service.
How long will it take?
Many applicants get automatic approval within minutes. For a small percentage where background checks are needed, it can take longer (several days). Apply a few days before travel if there is any doubt — but ideally apply weeks in advance for peace of mind.
Fees, validity and common ETIAS questions
Simple answers to the questions people ask first.
Fee
A standard processing fee applies (the official site shows the current amount). Fees may be waived for certain travellers (e.g. minors or certain beneficiaries) — check the official ETIAS site for exceptions.
Validity
ETIAS is usually valid for multiple short stays over a set period (commonly up to 3 years or until the passport expires). Always confirm current validity rules on the official site.
Length of stay
ETIAS allows short stays (normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the Schengen+ area. This doesn't change local visa rules for longer stays, work, or study.
Entry/Exit System (EES): what travellers must know
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border system. Instead of manual passport stamps, non-EU travellers will have their passport details and biometrics recorded electronically on arrival and departure.
When did EES start?
EES began its phased rollout on October 12, 2025, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. That means many travellers in 2026 will experience biometric checks at airports and major crossing points.
What data is collected?
On your first entry after EES is in place, you may be asked to scan your passport, take a photograph, and provide fingerprints. The system stores travel dates and basic biometric information to detect overstayers and prevent identity fraud.
Schengen area updates and visa changes (what to watch in 2026)
The Schengen area is evolving. Besides ETIAS and EES, expect digitalisation of some visa services and occasional policy changes as member states fine-tune security and migration controls.
Countries & expansion
Recent years saw Bulgaria and Romania enter the Schengen area on January 1, 2025. That means travellers should treat those countries the same as other Schengen states for short stays, ETIAS, and EES rules. Always check the official Schengen area map before travel.
Possible visa rule updates
Several EU governments discuss tighter Schengen visa controls or procedural updates (for example, checks on long-stay or repeated short stays). If your trip is sensitive (work, study, or long visits), consult the embassy or visa office for the destination country.
Practical pre-travel checklist
Before you book or fly
- Check if your country needs ETIAS — visit the official ETIAS page.
- Ensure passport validity (often at least 3 months beyond intended exit; check destination rules).
- Apply for ETIAS early if you are from a visa-exempt country (keep proof of approval).
- For longer stays, work, or study, apply for the correct visa well in advance from the relevant embassy.
Packing & airport tips
- Carry both printed and digital copies of your ETIAS confirmation and flight reservation.
- Have contact details for your accommodation and a simple travel itinerary ready for border officers.
- If entering Schengen for the first time under EES, be ready for a short biometric check.
Avoid scams and common mistakes
As new services roll out, expect opportunistic sites claiming to be "official" and charging extra. To stay safe:
- Always use europe's official domains (europa.eu / travel-europe.europa.eu) for ETIAS and visa info.
- Ignore email offers that ask for payment outside the official portal or ask for unnecessary sensitive data.
- Purchase travel insurance and check refund policies for flights and accommodation if you need to reschedule due to approval delays.
Long stays, work, study, and family reunification — different rules
ETIAS and EES apply mainly to short stays (tourism, short business trips). For work, study, family reunification, residency, or long-term visits you must apply for the appropriate national visa or permit from the embassy or migration authority of the country where you will stay. These procedures are separate from ETIAS and will likely take more time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ETIAS if I already have a Schengen visa?
No. If you hold a valid Schengen visa, the visa is your entry permission for the Schengen area; ETIAS is for visa-exempt travellers who normally don't need a visa.
Can I apply for ETIAS the same day I fly?
Often yes — many applications are instant. But because a small share of applications require manual checks, it's safer to apply a few days or weeks in advance.
Will EES slow down border control?
Initial rollout phases can add time at busy border points. Border authorities aim to make automated stations fast and efficient, but allow extra time during busy travel periods.
Is there an official ETIAS app?
The EU provides web services on official domains. Use the official website and trusted government portals; do not rely on unofficial or paid third-party "apps" unless verified.