How to appeal a refused ETIAS
What the appeal route is expected to look like if an ETIAS is refused, and the practical steps to take. This is general information, not legal advice.
What to know
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Official launch date
- Not yet announced (2027 reported)
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- €20, set by EU regulation
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Can you appeal a refused ETIAS?
Yes, a right to appeal or seek a review is expected to come with a refusal. When an application is refused, the notice should state the reason and explain how to challenge the decision, usually in the country whose authority made it.
Read the refusal reason first
The stated reason matters, because it shapes the response. A refusal caused by a simple error, such as a mistyped passport number or a date that does not match, may be better resolved by correcting the details than by a formal appeal. A refusal on security or immigration grounds is a different situation.
How the appeal is expected to work
- Appeals are expected to be handled by the deciding country, not by ETIAS centrally.
- There is likely to be a time limit, so do not leave it late.
- Keep the refusal notice and any reference numbers.
- Gather documents that address the specific reason given.
When to get professional advice
If the refusal relates to a serious criminal record, a previous refusal of entry, a deportation or a complex immigration history, an immigration lawyer can advise on your circumstances and the appeal. This page is general information, not legal advice. For most travellers a refusal will be rare and, where it happens, often down to a fixable detail.
What to do now
Nothing yet. ETIAS is not open, so there are no decisions to appeal. When it launches, answer the questions accurately and apply a few days ahead of travel to leave room for any review.
Get one email when ETIAS opens
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
ETIAS appeal FAQs
Will a criminal record stop me getting ETIAS?
Not automatically. The form asks about convictions in the last 15 years (25 for terrorist offences) for a set list of serious crimes; answering yes sends the application to a human reviewer rather than refusing it. The most important thing is to answer accurately, as false information is itself a ground for refusal.
Can I apply for ETIAS now?
No. The official ETIAS system is not open yet, so it is not possible for anyone to apply. Any website claiming to issue ETIAS today is not legitimate.
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 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.
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.