Travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States and Canada, will need ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area and other ETIAS countries starting in 2026.
ETIAS is not a visa but a mandatory pre-travel screening system for short-term stays in most European countries.
This article covers:
- What countries don’t require ETIAS?
- How is ETIAS different from visa?
- Why is ETIAS being implemented?
- How much does an ETIAS application cost?
- Which countries are on the waiting list to join the EU?
Key Takeaways:
- ETIAS is required for all travelers from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen Area.
- Non-ETIAS countries, including the UK and Ireland, have separate entry rules.
- The program enhances border security, risk screening, and streamlined travel.
- ETIAS costs €20, is generally valid for three years, and does not replace a visa for travelers who already require one.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What does ETIAS stand for?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System.
It is a digital authorization for short-term (up to 90 days) visits to the Schengen Area, designed to pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before arrival.
Are a visa and ETIAS the same thing?
ETIAS is not a visa. Unlike a visa, which is a formal entry permit requiring detailed documentation and longer processing times, ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization for short-term visits by travelers from visa-exempt countries.
It enhances border security but does not allow work, long-term stays, or residency.
Which countries require an ETIAS visa?
ETIAS is required to enter Schengen countries such as France and Germany, along with all other jurisdictions that use the system for border control.
Travelers with an approved ETIAS can enter any participating country for short stays of up to 90 days.
Countries requiring ETIAS:
- 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
- Switzerland
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
Core Schengen Area Countries:
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Non-Schengen EU Country Participating in ETIAS:
- Cyprus
Schengen Associate Countries Requiring ETIAS:
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
Countries Outside the EU Accepting ETIAS:
Certain microstates with no independent border control allow entry with ETIAS once the Schengen border is cleared:
- Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
ETIAS ensures pre-screening of travelers from visa-exempt countries, enhancing security while allowing convenient short-term travel across Europe and associated territories.
Can I travel to Europe without ETIAS?
No, if you are from a visa-exempt country, you cannot enter Schengen countries without ETIAS starting in 2026.
However, travelers from non-visa-exempt countries or those visiting non-Schengen EU countries, like Ireland or the UK, can still use standard visas or travel documents.
Failing to obtain ETIAS when required may result in denied boarding or entry.
Travelers from any of these visa-exempt countries and territories are required to obtain ETIAS travel authorization:
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao SAR
- Malaysia
- Marshall
Islands - Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
What countries do not need ETIAS?
Countries that do not need ETIAS include Schengen member states like Germany and France, as well as associated countries such as Norway and Switzerland.
Travelers from these countries can move freely across the Schengen Zone using a passport or national ID.
For clarity, the following table breaks down which travelers need ETIAS, which are exempt, and which require a standard visa:
| Country / Region | ETIAS Required? | Visa Required? |
| Schengen member states (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.) | No | No (citizens travel freely with passport or ID) |
| Schengen-associated countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) | No | No (citizens travel freely with passport or ID) |
| Non-Schengen EU countries (Ireland) | No | Yes (follow Ireland’s standard visa or entry rules) |
| Non-Schengen countries in Europe (UK) | No | Yes (standard UK visa or travel authorization) |
| Visa-exempt countries visiting Schengen (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) | Yes | No (ETIAS is required for short-term stays for visa-exempt travelers) |
| Visa-required countries for Schengen (India, China, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Philippines, etc.) | No | Yes (must apply for a standard Schengen visa) |
Why is Europe requiring ETIAS?
Europe requires ETIAS to improve border security, streamline entry, and reduce illegal immigration and security risks.
- Improve border security: Travelers are checked against international databases to identify potential risks related to security, immigration, or health concerns.
- Streamline entry for legitimate travelers: Approved applicants experience faster and more predictable border checks compared to traditional visa procedures.
- Reduce illegal immigration and security threats: ETIAS, together with the Entry/Exit System (EES), helps track traveler movements, limit overstays, and support EU migration management.
Conclusion
ETIAS marks a shift in how Europe manages short-term travelers.
For expats, high-net-worth individuals, and frequent travelers, understanding which countries require ETIAS, the costs, and exceptions is crucial.
Proper preparation ensures smooth entry, avoids travel disruptions, and aligns with Europe’s enhanced security measures.
FAQs
How much does an ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS application fee is now €20. Applicants under 18 and over 70 are exempt from paying the fee.
The authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever happens first.
Which countries are waiting to join the EU?
Several countries are in the EU accession process, including Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Türkiye and Georgia
What 5 European countries are not in Schengen?
Five European countries that are not part of the Schengen Area include Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Serbia, Moldova.
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