ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional period
Current rules
With ETIAS: Eligible visa-exempt travellers will need an ETIAS authorisation before travelling. The application will be completed online. The authorisation will be connected to the traveler's passport. ETIAS will generally allow short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. ETIAS does not give permission to work or live in Europe. ETIAS does not replace a visa for people who need one.
Overview
The Commission confirmed the launch window for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, with a transitional period during which travel without an authorisation will not be refused on that ground alone.
Who is affected by the latest change
- Citizens of countries that do not need a visa who travel to European countries that are part of the system
- Tourists
- Short-term business travellers
- People visiting family or friends
- Other travellers making short stays who currently travel without a visa
What changed in the latest version
Before
Before ETIAS: People who did not need a visa generally did not need an electronic travel authorisation. Travellers could make short visits without applying for a visa. They still had to meet the usual entry rules. There was no ETIAS application.
After
With ETIAS: People who do not need a visa will need an ETIAS authorisation before travelling. They will complete the application online. The authorisation will be connected to the traveller's passport. ETIAS will generally allow short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. ETIAS does not give permission to work or live in Europe. ETIAS does not replace a visa for people who need one.
This changes what people who do not need a visa must do before travelling to Europe. Before, an eligible traveller could generally travel with a valid passport. They also had to meet the usual entry rules. With ETIAS, they will also need to complete an online application. They must get travel authorisation before travelling.
Explained simply
Soon, if you're a visa-exempt traveller heading to certain European countries for a short trip, you'll need something called ETIAS. Think of it like a digital boarding pass or a permission slip for your passport. It's not a visa, so it won't let you work, study, or live there permanently. It just lets you visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This new system is expected to start in late 2026. After it officially launches, there will be a six-month transition period. During this time, you can still enter these countries without an ETIAS, as long as you meet all the other entry rules. Then, there's another six-month grace period where ETIAS will generally be required, but if it's your very first time travelling during this period, you might still be allowed in without one, provided you meet other entry conditions.
Version history
- v1Effective 1 Nov 2026AnnouncementMedium impactETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional period
The European Union (EU) will start a new electronic travel authorisation. It is called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). People who do not need a visa to travel to Europe will need an ETIAS. They must travel to one of 30 European countries for a short visit. ETIAS is expected to start working in the last three months of 2026. The EU has confirmed when it will start. However, the official EU website says the exact start date is not yet announced. Once ETIAS starts, people who do not need a visa will generally need an approved ETIAS before they travel. The authorisation is linked to the traveller's passport. It lets them stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS is not a visa. It does not allow people to work, study, or live in Europe. The system will have a six-month transition period. After this, there will be a six-month grace period. During the transition, travellers can enter without an ETIAS. They must still meet other entry rules. During the grace period, travellers will usually need an ETIAS. However, first-time travellers during this time may be able to enter without one. They must meet all other entry rules.