European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): What We Know So Far

Details of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are beginning to emerge – an initiative that will affect anyone from the UK who is travelling to Europe in 2026 and beyond. 

Here are all the details we know so far about the EU visa waiver scheme.

How will travel to Europe change once ETIAS is introduced?

At present, UK nationals, along with those from over 60 non-EU countries such as the US, Japan, and Australia, can enter the EU’s Schengen Zone visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

With the introduction of the ETIAS scheme, this arrangement will change.

Travellers from non-EU countries will now be required to secure a visa waiver for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day span when visiting the EU. For visits exceeding this duration, a visa will be necessary.

Upon entry into the EU, this document will undergo verification by border officials.

Who does ETIAS affect, and when will it come into force?

ETIAS is due to come into effect in late 2026, but a specific date has so far not been given. The scheme will require visa-exempt travellers from over 60 countries to obtain a travel authorisation before entering any of the following European countries, known as the Schengen Zone. 

Children under the age of 18 and adults over the age of 70 will not be charged a fee, but will still be required to apply for a visa waiver.

How do I apply for the new EU visa waiver scheme?

Under the ETIAS scheme, travellers will need to complete an online application form before their trip, providing personal and travel details. A small fee of €20 (around £17) will be charged.

Travellers will be required to submit their application online or via a mobile app, in what the EU describes as a “minor yet essential procedural step” which should take around 10 minutes to complete. 

The ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, and allows for multiple entries into the Schengen Zone during this period. 

The EU anticipates that over 95% of applications will receive approval within a few minutes, but some applications might require up to 72 hours for processing. In a limited number of cases, applications can take up to four weeks to be dealt with, or may be denied.

How does ETIAS affect cruise passengers?

For UK travellers planning a cruise to Europe, the introduction of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will add an extra step before travelling to EU destinations.

If you hold a British passport and plan to visit countries within the Schengen Area during your cruise, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before you travel. This system is similar to the ESTA used when visiting the United States and is designed to strengthen border security while keeping travel relatively straightforward.

In most cases, cruise lines and airlines will check that travellers have a valid ETIAS authorisation before departure. This means you will need to apply online and receive approval before boarding your cruise or flight to the EU.

For many cruise passengers, this will apply to sailings that include ports in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, France or Portugal. Even if your cruise begins in the UK, you may still need an ETIAS if your itinerary includes stops within the Schengen Area.

The application process is expected to be quick and completed online, with approvals typically issued within a short period of time. Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation will be valid for multiple trips to the Schengen Area over several years.

When ETIAS is first introduced, there may be a short adjustment period as travellers and travel companies become familiar with the process. To avoid any issues, it will be important to make sure your ETIAS authorisation is approved well in advance of your cruise departure.

Why has the European Travel Information and Authorisation System been introduced?

The aim of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is to increase security and streamline border checks.

The information required for completing the application will encompass passport details alongside questions concerning criminal history and health conditions.