ETIAS for Australian citizens
Will Australian passport holders need ETIAS for Europe? What about timing, fees, and the difference vs Australia’s ETA / eVisitor systems for inbound travellers?
Quick answer
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- 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
Do Australians need ETIAS?
Yes, once ETIAS becomes mandatory, Australian passport holders travelling for short stays to ETIAS countries are expected to need an ETIAS authorisation. Australians are visa-exempt for short stays in the Schengen area, which is the group ETIAS covers.
When will Australians need ETIAS?
ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with mandatory use during 2027. Travel before launch does not require ETIAS, and applications cannot be submitted yet.
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation linked to a passport, broadly equivalent to the inbound ETA/eVisitor systems Australia uses for visa-exempt visitors. Australians travelling for tourism, family visits or business meetings will continue to enter Europe without a Schengen visa.
Which European countries require ETIAS?
All 30 ETIAS countries, including the major Australian destinations: France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland.
How long can Australians stay with ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. The ETIAS itself is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until your Australian passport expires.
What to do now
Check your passport validity for any planned European trip and (optionally) sign up below to receive a single email once the official ETIAS system opens.
Popular ETIAS destinations for Australian travellers
Country-specific guides for the most-searched ETIAS destinations.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for Australian travellers
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Common questions
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 much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
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.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
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.
Related pages
Be ready when ETIAS opens for Australian travellers
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.