Planning a trip to Europe on a US, UK, Canadian or Australian passport? ETIAS keeps showing up in booking checklists, but it has still not launched. Here is where it stands, what it will cost, and what to do in the meantime.
Quick Answer
- Do you need ETIAS now? No. Recent reports say it is not in operation and applications are not being accepted
- Start date: No firm date; the earlier Q4 2026 target has been dropped and reporting points to 2027
- Fee: €20, up from the €7 first proposed
- Validity: Up to 3 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Fee exemptions: Applicants under 18 or over 70, per Estonia’s police authority
- Type: An online pre-travel authorisation, not a visa
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors to Europe. According to InsideFlyer’s report, it is a pre-authorisation rather than a visa and is meant to cover 30 European countries.
It is linked to your passport. Estonia’s police authority says an ETIAS authorisation is valid for a maximum of 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever date is earlier.
Is ETIAS Required Yet?
No. Travelers heading to Europe on a visa-exempt passport do not currently need to apply. Reports from mid-2026 say the EU’s official ETIAS site removed its last-quarter-2026 target, describes the system as not in operation, and says applications are not being accepted.
InsideFlyer, citing The Points Guy, says eu-LISA, the agency building the system, confirmed a 2027 target because of “unresolved technical challenges.” Sources differ on whether that means 2027 or early 2027, and none gives a firm date.
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How Much Does ETIAS Cost and Who Is Exempt?
The fee is set at €20. The table below summarizes what the sources agree on.
| Question | Answer | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | €20 (originally €7) | European Commission announcement, July 2025, as reported by The Local |
| Validity | Up to 3 years or until passport expiry | Estonian Police and Border Guard Board |
| Fee waived for | Under 18, over 70, family members of EU citizens | Estonian Police and Border Guard Board |
| Is it a visa? | No, an online authorisation | InsideFlyer |
| Live today? | No, no confirmed start date | Reports from mid-2026 |
How Is ETIAS Different From EES and the UK ETA?
- EES (Entry/Exit System): records your face and fingerprints at the border. It is already running.
- ETIAS: a pre-trip authorisation you complete online before you fly. It is not running yet.
- UK ETA: a separate permission for the United Kingdom, which sits outside the EU system.
What Should You Do Before Booking Europe?
- Check the official EU travel information site for the current ETIAS status before you pay for anything.
- Ignore any website that offers to process an ETIAS application now; travelers have been advised against unofficial sites.
- If you travel in 2027, re-check the status a few weeks before departure, since the EU says it will announce the date ahead of launch.
- Confirm your passport is valid for your entire trip, because ETIAS approval is tied to it.
- Prepare for border registration under EES and allow extra time on arrival.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ETIAS to visit Europe right now?
No. Recent reports say ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being accepted, so visa-exempt travelers do not need it yet.
When will ETIAS start?
There is no confirmed date. The earlier last-quarter-2026 target has been dropped, and reporting points to 2027, with some outlets saying early 2027.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The fee is €20, raised from the €7 first proposed. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee, according to Estonia’s police authority.
How long will an ETIAS authorisation last?
Up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It is an online pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travelers, not a visa.
Final Thoughts
For now, ETIAS is a heads-up rather than a requirement: nothing to apply for, and no date to plan around. Check the official EU travel information site before you book, skip look-alike application sites, and re-check a few weeks before you fly in 2027.
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