ETIAS pending: what it means and what to do
What a pending status is likely to mean once ETIAS is live, how long it can last, and the steps to take while you wait.
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
Why an ETIAS can be pending
A pending status is expected to mean the automated checks could not approve the application straight away, so it has gone to manual processing. That can be triggered by a background-check match, a security or immigration question that needs context, or details that need confirming. It is not a refusal.
How long does pending take?
Manual cases can take longer than the usual few minutes, potentially a number of days. In more complex cases it can take longer still. This is why, once ETIAS is live, it is sensible to apply several days before you travel rather than at the airport.
What to do while it is pending
- Wait for the decision rather than submitting a second application.
- Respond promptly if you are asked for more information.
- Check the email and inbox you applied with, including spam.
- Do not pay anyone promising to speed up an official decision.
Pending, approved or refused
A pending application ends in one of two ways: it is approved, or it is refused with a notice that explains the reason and how to appeal. A delay on its own does not predict which.
What to do now
Nothing yet. ETIAS is not open, so there is no application to be pending. Keep your passport in date, and when the system launches apply early and answer the questions accurately.
Get one email when ETIAS opens
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
ETIAS pending FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.