Travel authorisations / ETIAS

ETIAS: do you need one?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is required for visa-free visitors before travelling to Europe (30 countries). Not yet operating: scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date announced at least 6 months ahead. The official fee is €20. It is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner. Apply only at the official site. Facts checked on 23 October 2026.

ETIAS at a glance

Official fee	€20 (free for under-18s and over-70s)
Valid for	3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner
Each stay	short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
Entries	Multiple
Decision time	Most applications are approved within minutes
Status	Not yet operating: scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date announced at least 6 months ahead
For	tourism, business, visiting family, short stays
You need	passport, email address, payment card

Rules to know

Required for visa-free visitors to 30 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Who needs it: nationals of countries that can visit these countries without a visa, for example the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. Nationals who need a Schengen visa do not apply for ETIAS.
ETIAS is not a visa and is linked to your passport; there is nothing to print.
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a separate border registration that started on 12 October 2025.

Data in Europe (30 countries) from the moment you land

Install a Slashtel travel eSIM before you fly. It connects when you arrive, your own number stays on for calls and bank codes, and the QR code arrives by email in minutes.

See Europe eSIM plans

Questions

Who needs a ETIAS?

Visa-free visitors to Europe (30 countries), for example citizens of the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. Nationals who need a visa apply for a visa instead.

How much does a ETIAS cost?

The official fee is €20 (free for under-18s and over-70s). Apply only on the official site; other websites that charge more are not the government.

How long is a ETIAS valid?

3 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner. Each visit can last short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

How long does a ETIAS take?

Most applications are approved within minutes.

Where do I apply for a ETIAS?

Only on the official government site or the official ETIAS app: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en. Slashtel does not sell or process applications.

Will my phone work in Europe (30 countries)?

Your own SIM works if your network roams there, often at a daily charge. A travel eSIM gives you local data from the moment you land while your own number stays on for calls and bank codes.

Sources

Slashtel is not a government agency and does not process applications. Checked 23 October 2026; rules can change, so confirm on the official site.

Other travel authorisations: UK ETA · ESTA · Canada eTA