What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for citizens of countries that do not need a visa to enter the EU for short stays in EU Member States.

The system’s target is to improve security by conducting checks on travellers before they enter the Schengen Area. Once approved, according to idealista, the ETIAS allows travellers to stay up to 90 days in the country, whether for tourism, business, or transit.

However, ETIA does not replace any existing visa procedures; for those who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, idealista reveals that it works more as a pre-travel requirement for visa-exempt visitors.

Implementation date

EU recent announcements reveal that ETIAS might enter into force in the last quarter of 2026, but gradually.

Currently, the ETIAS is being introduced at Spanish airports, such as Madrid and Malaga. Then, a soft-launch phase at the end of 2026, as soon as EES is also implemented.

After the implementation of ETIAS, a six-month transition period is planned, during which passengers may enter the countries without an ETIAS authorisation while the system is being fully implemented. The revised calendar, according to idealista, explains that ETIAS will not be a boarding condition until April 2027.

Until the end of the transition, British and other visa-exempt visitors may continue to travel under the current passport-only rules.

Who need to apply for ETIAS?

In total, the ETIAS will apply to non-EU citizens from more than 60 visa-exempt countries. To sum up, it will be required for passengers from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Authorisation is required to enter 30 European countries, including the 27 Schengen Area countries, as well as Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus.

Requirements for travelling to Portugal, Italy and Spain

For travellers heading to Spain, Italy or Portugal, ETIAS will operate as a single authorisation covering the entire participating area rather than on a country-by-country basis.

When travelling to Portugal, Italy, or Spain, ETIAS will operate as a single authorisation covering the entire area. That is, for an itinerary that crosses the three countries, only one authorisation is required. The authorisation will be, according to idealista, digitally linked to the traveller’s passport and checked by airlines and border officials at departures and arrivals.

Applying to ETIAS

ETIAS is designed to be fully digital, with applications submitted through an EU web portal and, eventually, via a mobile app. Authorities advise travellers to rely only on official websites and to be aware of any intermediaries charging additional fees.

The online form will require personal details, passport information, contact details, and travel information. Travellers will also have to answer other basic background questions, such as level of education and occupation. Questions about security, health and previous travel history may also be asked.

Then, the information is automatically checked by the EU and other international databases.

ETIAS fees

The EU is in discussion to approve a €20 fee for ETIAS, which will eventually be approved, or not, by the EU legislators. Children and older travellers may benefit from free applications. Payments may be made online using a debit or credit card.

ETIAS and EES working together

The EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated IT platform that records information on the entry and exit of non-EU travellers crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area.

EES includes biometric kiosks and e-gates, which are already installed and tested at airports and seaports across Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

ETIAS validity

According to Idealista, once the ETIAS is approved, the authorisation remains valid for 3 years or until the traveller’s passport expires. The ETIAS allows multiple entries in the Schengen Area during that period.