Status
The EU’s ETIAS site says ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU will announce the start date several months before launch.
You don’t need to do anything yet. Be wary of sites that offer to apply for you now.
What we know
- Who needs it: nationals of visa-free countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, for short stays.
- Where: 30 countries, the 29 Schengen members plus Cyprus.
- Cost: 20 euros per application. Free for applicants under 18 or over 70.
- Validity: up to 3 years, or until your passport expires if that comes first.
- UK nationals: exempt if they hold a Withdrawal Agreement residence document from one of the 30 countries. One issued by Cyprus only covers Cyprus.
ETIAS doesn’t change your day count
ETIAS lets you travel; it doesn’t add days. Short stays are still up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and Cyprus days are counted separately. Having ETIAS doesn’t mean you will be let in: border officials still decide.
Track the count itself with the 90/180 calculator.
Questions
When does ETIAS start?
The EU hasn’t announced a start date. The EU’s ETIAS site says ETIAS is not in operation and that the EU will announce the date several months before launch.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The EU says an application will cost 20 euros. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, once it starts, for short stays in the 30 ETIAS countries. UK nationals who hold a Withdrawal Agreement residence document from one of those countries are exempt; a Cypriot one only covers Cyprus.
Does ETIAS change the 90/180-day rule?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a day count. Short stays are still up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with Cyprus counted separately.
Do I need ETIAS for Ireland?
No. Ireland is not one of the 30 countries that will require ETIAS.
Sources
A planning tool. Border officials decide.