Updated February 6, 2025, to reflect a change in the ETA requirement.
Updated June 28th, 2025, to reflect a change in start date for ETIAS.
Travelers planning a trip to Europe will encounter numerous acronyms while reading through the entry requirements. Two of the most discussed are ETA and ETIAS. In this guide, I outline what every traveler needs to know about ETA and ETIAS, along with information on how to navigate the application process. As changes are made to these two programs, I will update the guide with the latest.
Note that passports and, in some cases, a tourist visa are still an entry requirement and will not be replaced by the ETA or ETIAS. Visit my Passports & Tourists Visas post for more information on those documents.
Warning: When applying for the ETA or ETIAS, always make sure you do so via the official government application website or app. There are reports of websites claiming to be “official,” but these are third-party scams. In this guide, I provide the links to the official sites for both programs.
What are ETA and ETIAS?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) are two new entry requirements modeled after the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program. ETA and ETIAS are being implemented to enhance security screening processes for travelers who generally are not required to hold a tourist visa to enter the country.
Travelers are required to submit an application and payment before their trip. Once a traveler’s application is approved, entry authorization will be linked to your passport.
Facts about ETA
- Required for those who are traveling to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) (Visit the website to learn more about the exact requirements.)
- Cost is £10 per person, including children
- Valid for two years; if your passport expires before the two-year mark, you need to reapply
UPDATE: The British government has revised the requirements for ETA, and travelers no longer need this authorization if they are connecting at an airport within the United Kingdom, as long as they remain “airside” and do not cross passport control.
ETA Website – Provides additional information on the program and its requirements, plus the links to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to download the official app.
UK ETA App Guide – Lists instructions on how to apply via the app and technical requirements.
Official Online Application – Lists instructions on how to apply online, followed by the application form.
The estimated time to receive approval is 3 days, but there have been some technical issues since this is a new program. It is recommended that you apply at least a month prior to your travel date.
Facts about ETIAS
- Required for all those who are traveling to any of the listed 30 European countries
- Cost is 7€ per person, fee waived for those under 18 or over 70 years of age
- Valid for three years; if your passport expires before the three-year mark, you need to reapply
The ETIAS will not be required for flight layovers as long as the traveler stays within the airport’s security area.
This is the official ETIAS website where you can learn more about the program. The launch of the ETIAS program has been postponed several times, and it is now tentatively scheduled for spring 2025 (this is no longer the case; it is now the last quarter of 2026). Once an official date is confirmed, I will update this post and announce on the Facebook page.
UPDATE: Per the ETIAS website, the new expected start date is the last quarter of 2026.
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