NewsUpdated 2 min read

ETIAS start date: still no official date

Europe's new travel authorisation for visa-free visitors was meant to start in late 2026. As of November 2026, there is still no confirmed date. Here is what you actually need to know.

Quick answer

Is ETIAS running?
No, no applications are accepted
Official start date
Not announced yet
Expected fee
€20 (free under 18 and over 70)
Notice before launch
Several months, says the EU
On this page
  1. The short answer
  2. What ETIAS is
  3. ETIAS vs EES: not the same thing
  4. What to do now

The short answer

ETIAS is not in operation. Nobody can apply for it or pay for it yet. In April 2026 the European Commission said ETIAS was scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be announced later in the year. That date has not been published, and the EU has said it will give several months' notice before launch.

If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS today, it is not the official service.

What ETIAS is

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online travel authorisation, not a visa. It will apply to people from visa-free countries, such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia, who visit the 30 European countries in the scheme for short stays.

  • Application online, before you travel.
  • Expected fee of €20, with exemptions for under-18s and over-70s.
  • Valid for three years, or until your passport expires if sooner.
  • Linked to your passport, so a new passport means a new ETIAS.

ETIAS vs EES: not the same thing

They are often confused. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is already running. It replaced passport stamps with a digital record that includes your facial image and fingerprints, taken at the border. ETIAS is a separate permission you will apply for online before you travel.

What to do now

  • Nothing, for ETIAS itself. There is no application to make.
  • Check that your passport is valid for your whole trip and the EU's validity rules.
  • Ignore paid "pre-registration" offers.
  • Expect a grace period after launch, during which travellers without ETIAS can still enter, before it becomes strictly required.

We will update this page when the EU publishes the start date.

Questions

When does ETIAS start?

There is no official start date as of November 2026. The EU has said it will announce the date several months before launch.

How much will ETIAS cost?

The expected fee is €20. People under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe now?

No. ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being accepted.

Sources

Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.

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