What is ETIAS: Do you need it to travel to Europe? (Read on!)

For a traveler, there’s a certain fascination in the simple act of having their passport stamped. We know of people who “collect” these little experiences because they are brought back to the old idea of travel – exploring without the comforts of modernity, much like an adventurer! However, human checks are not immune to error and a number of things can go wrong, from missed stamps to an OK to enter a country given to the wrong person… That is why the European Union has devised a system to prevent such occurrences.

ETIAS, that is the name of the scheme, was supposed to be operational from this coming January – now it looks like a launch in 2024 is unlikely to happen after all. However, this is as good a time as any to explain what the ETIAS is. First off, it will essentially replace the old habit of manual passport stamping when entering a new country in the EU. ETIAS will be used across Europe – the name stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System – for citizens of those countries that can enter the EU without a visa. These include the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Why is the ETIAS necessary?

Recent security concerns about terrorism and the growing pressure of the migrant crisis have called for better management of who enters the EU’s borders. The EU wants to make travel to the continent safer, so it looked to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose to ETIAS.

Is ETIAS free?

Like its North American counterpart, ETIAS is not free. However, it is cheaper: it costs 7 EUR.

How much does the ETIAS last?

This travel authorization is valid for three years or until the expiration date of the ID provided, whichever comes first.

The new system is scheduled to go live in May 2025. A wealth of information, including exemptions and a detailed FAQ section, is available here. It’s a good idea to bookmark this page to keep up with what’s happening in the world of ETIAS, especially if you’re already planning a trip to Europe in the coming months.