Do I need ETIAS?
Answer three quick questions to see whether ETIAS is likely to apply to your trip. We don’t ask for passport numbers or payment. That won’t change until ETIAS actually opens.
Last reviewed: 30 May 2026
The answer
Quick ETIAS eligibility guide
In general, ETIAS is expected to apply to visa-exempt non-EU travellers who are visiting participating European countries for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need ETIAS, and travellers who already need a Schengen visa should use the visa route instead.
Check if I need ETIASWho needs ETIAS?
ETIAS is for visa-exempt travellers visiting participating European countries for short stays. That includes the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, among others. EU, EEA and Swiss passport holders do not need ETIAS; they use their right of free movement.
Who does not need ETIAS?
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (free movement).
- Travellers who already need a Schengen visa.
- Holders of an EU residence permit or long-stay visa.
- UK citizens travelling to Ireland (Common Travel Area).
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, once ETIAS becomes mandatory, UK passport holders will need ETIAS for short stays in participating European countries. UK travellers do not need ETIAS for Ireland. Read the full UK guide.
Do US citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, Americans visiting Europe for short stays will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. Read the full US guide.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes, each traveller, including children and infants, is expected to need their own ETIAS, although the official €20 fee is expected to be waived for under-18s and over-70s. More on ETIAS for children.
What if I have a visa or residence permit?
You don’t need ETIAS. If you hold a Schengen visa, a long-stay national visa or a residence permit from an EU country, you travel on those documents; ETIAS only applies to visa-exempt short stays.
Read by nationality
Country-specific guides for the largest groups of visa-exempt travellers.
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Do I need ETIAS: FAQs
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, UK citizens travelling for short stays to participating European countries are expected to need an ETIAS authorisation linked to their British passport. They will not need ETIAS for Ireland (Common Travel Area).
Do US citizens need ETIAS?
Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, US passport holders travelling for short stays (under 90 days) to ETIAS countries are expected to need an ETIAS authorisation. It will work in a similar way to ESTA, but it is a separate system for Europe.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes, each traveller, including minors and infants, is expected to need their own ETIAS authorisation. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the official €20 fee but still need to apply.
I have two passports. Which one should I use for ETIAS?
If one of your passports is from an EU, EEA, Swiss or Irish country, you can travel on that and would not need ETIAS at all. If both are from visa-exempt non-EU countries, for example UK and Australian, use the one you will actually travel on, since ETIAS is linked to that specific passport.
I am a non-EU citizen living in an EU country. Do I need ETIAS?
No. If you hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa from an EU country, you travel on that document rather than ETIAS. ETIAS only applies to visa-exempt visitors making short stays, not to residents.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
Is ETIAS Pro official?
No. ETIAS Pro is a private information and assistance service. We are not affiliated with the European Union, Frontex or any government. When ETIAS opens, you will be able to apply directly through the official EU ETIAS website or app.
Ask an ETIAS question
Have a specific situation? Send it over. We review questions and may answer common ones on the site. Examples travellers ask:
- I am British but live in Spain. Do I need ETIAS?
- I hold a UK and an Irish passport. Which one should I use?
- Does ETIAS apply to a cruise that stops in Greece?
- I renewed my passport. Will my ETIAS still work?
Related pages
Get ready for ETIAS before it becomes mandatory
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.