The European Union has confirmed that the system is currently in the development phase and, for the time being, travellers do not need to complete any prior procedures or take any advance action.

EU authorities have indicated that they will announce the exact date several months in advance before the system begins operating effectively. Furthermore, it is expected that when it launches, there will be a grace period (a transitional regime) to allow travellers to progressively adapt to the new requirement.

What you need to know to travel to the European Union with an ETIAS authorisation:

To understand with complete clarity who is obliged to obtain ETIAS, the European Union’s criteria are not based on the country from which the plane departs, but on the traveller’s nationality (the passport they travel with) and the purpose of their stay.

Here we break down in detail all traveller profiles, exceptions and special cases:

The main profile: Visa-exempt countries

Currently, there are more than 60 countries outside the European Union whose citizens can enter the Schengen Area for short stays without needing to go to an embassy to request a traditional visa. It is precisely these citizens who will now be required to apply for ETIAS.

Among the most notable countries on this list are:

Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

North America: The United States and Canada.

Other key markets: The United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, New Zealand and Singapore.

Types of travel covered by ETIAS

ETIAS is designed exclusively for short-stay visits (up to 90 days). The permitted purposes of travel under this authorisation are:

Tourism and holidays: Leisure trips, visits to family or friends and sightseeing tours.

Business and commercial activities: Attending meetings, signing contracts, participating in trade fairs, conferences or corporate events (provided it does not involve being employed by a European company).

Medical reasons: Travelling to receive short-term consultations, check-ups or medical treatments.

Short-term studies or training: Language courses, summer camps or training programmes that do not exceed the 90-day limit.

Stopovers and transit: If your flight makes a stop at an airport within the Schengen Area to change planes en route to a third country outside the zone (example: a Bogotá – Madrid – Cairo flight), you need ETIAS to transit through the international zone or leave the airport during the stopover.

Who is EXEMPT from applying for ETIAS?

Not everyone travelling to Europe needs to apply for it. The system automatically excludes the following profiles:

EU citizens and residents: Any person holding a passport from a European Union or Schengen Area member state (such as Spain, France, Italy, etc.). Also exempt are foreign nationals who hold a valid residence card in any of these countries.

Travellers who require a traditional Schengen Visa: Citizens of countries that do not have visa exemption agreements (such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China or Morocco) do not use ETIAS. Their security screening is already carried out when applying for a physical visa at the consulate.

Holders of long-stay or study visas: If you are moving to Europe to work, pursue a university master’s degree or undertake long-term volunteering, you will travel with a national visa stamped in your passport and therefore do not need ETIAS.

Diplomatic staff and crew members: Holders of official diplomatic passports and crews of commercial aircraft or ships on duty are exempt.

Special cases and fine print

Dual nationality
If you hold dual nationality (for example, an Argentine passport and an Italian/Spanish passport), you do not need ETIAS, as long as you use your European passport to board and to pass through border control upon arrival in Europe. If you travel with your Argentine passport, then ETIAS will be required.

Minors and senior citizens
There is a common misconception that children or the elderly do not need it. ETIAS is mandatory for all ages, from newborn babies to senior citizens. The only difference is financial: those under 18 and over 70 do not pay the €20 fee, but their application form must still be completed by their parents or guardians.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a large zone in Europe made up of 29 countries that have agreed to abolish internal borders and border controls between them.

For international travel purposes, it functions almost as if it were a single country: once you cross the external border and enter any of these states, you can travel to the others without going through passport controls at airports, roads or train stations.

Which countries are part of it?

Currently, the vast majority of European Union (EU) member states are part of Schengen, along with some non-EU countries that have joined the agreement.

EU countries that are members: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden and Slovakia.

Non-EU countries that are members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Note on Bulgaria and Romania: Their air and sea borders are already integrated into Schengen, but controls at land borders are being lifted progressively.

What is the difference between a Schengen Visa and an ETIAS travel authorisation?

ETIAS is NOT a visa. It is a pre-security screening system for travellers who already have the privilege of entering Europe without a visa. Its aim is to identify security risks or illegal migration before the person arrives at the airport.

The Schengen Visa is a comprehensive screening process. It is required for nationalities that the EU considers to carry a higher migration risk or with which it does not have exemption agreements. It requires prior consular approval with a strict analysis of the applicant’s financial and employment documentation.

How to apply for ETIAS for the European Union with MyTripVisa

Simple Online Application: Complete our optimised form, designed for a fast and error-free experience.

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Expert Review: Our team reviews your application to ensure all information meets official requirements before submission.

Direct Delivery: Once processed by the authorities, you will receive your electronic authorisation directly in your inbox.

Join the thousands of travellers who choose MyTripVisa to manage their online visa applications and travel documents for destinations around the world.

What vaccinations are mandatory to travel to the European Union?

Currently, no vaccination against any disease is required to travel to the European Union. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor, as they will be able to provide personalised recommendations based on the type of trip you are planning and your health condition.

What is the best time of year to visit the European Union?

The best time to visit the European Union and its most popular tourist destinations depends on what you are looking for. If you want the best holidays and warm weather, then the high season from June to August is the ideal time to visit Europe. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for travel. In addition, many European countries hold festivals and cultural events during these months, making it a great time to visit.

If you prefer to avoid crowds and high prices, then the shoulder season from April to May and September to October is a good option. During these months, prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. The weather is also pleasant and the crowds are more manageable.

If you prefer to avoid the cold, then the period from June to September is a good option. During these months, temperatures are warm and pleasant, making it ideal for travel. However, bear in mind that prices may be higher during these months due to the high season.

What are the most visited countries and their main places to visit?

Do not forget to plan your itinerary and make sure you start your ETIAS application for travel to the European Union with enough time to access all the wonderful experiences and places waiting to be discovered without any administrative complications.

Europe is home to some of the world’s most visited countries:

France
With 77.5 million visitors per year, France is the most visited country in the world. Some of the most notable attractions are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.

Spain
With 71.7 million visitors per year, Spain is the second most visited country in the world. Some of the most notable attractions are the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Alhambra.

Italy
With 49.8 million visitors per year, Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world. Some of the most notable attractions are the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican.

In Europe, there are many interesting places to visit. Some of the most popular are:

Rome, Italy
With its impressive history and architecture, Rome is a city you cannot miss. Some of the most notable attractions are the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
With its canals, museums and liberal atmosphere, Amsterdam is a unique city. Some of the most notable attractions are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.

Prague, Czech Republic
With its Gothic and Baroque architecture, Prague is a city that seems to have been lifted from a fairy tale. Some of the most notable attractions are the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and Prague Castle.

Lisbon, Portugal
With its romantic and atmospheric charm, Lisbon is a city that captures hearts at first sight. Some of the most notable attractions are the Alfama neighbourhood, the Pastéis de Belém and the city’s viewpoints.

Barcelona, Spain
With its Modernist architecture and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona is a city that has a great deal to offer. Some of the most notable attractions are the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló.

Start your ETIAS application with enough time and discover Europe through its history and monuments without any administrative complications.