ETIAS passport requirements
ETIAS will be linked to a single passport. Here’s how validity, expiry and renewals work.
In brief
Passport validity
Most short-stay rules in Europe ask for a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, and that was issued in the last 10 years. Border officers can refuse entry if those rules are not met, regardless of ETIAS status.
ETIAS linked to passport
An approved ETIAS is expected to be tied to a single passport, and valid for up to 3 years or until that passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple short trips on the same ETIAS within that window.
What happens when passport expires?
Your ETIAS expires too. There is no automatic transfer to a new passport, so you’ll need to apply for a fresh ETIAS using the new passport details, and pay the official €20 fee again (subject to exemptions).
New passport before travel
If you renew your passport between now and your trip, apply for ETIAS with the new passport, the one you’ll actually travel on. Border officers compare ETIAS data with the passport presented at the border, so a mismatch can cause delays or refusal.
Common mistakes
- Booking with one passport and travelling on another.
- Applying with a passport that expires within months of travel.
- Forgetting to re-apply after renewing a child’s passport (children renew often).
- Typos in the passport number, where a single wrong character invalidates the link.
Get the ETIAS launch alert
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Passport & ETIAS FAQs
What if my passport expires before my ETIAS does?
ETIAS is expected to be linked to a single passport. If that passport expires, your ETIAS expires with it. After renewing your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS using the new passport details.
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.
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.
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.
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.