Are ETIAS Required for Travel to Europe?

Family travelers planning a trip to Europe may have heard about the new travel authorization called ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorization System. News of the system began surfacing in 2020, the original date planned for their launch, a timeline that has continued to change, leaving families wondering if and when they will need to obtain these for everyone before traveling.

The quick answer for this summer’s travel is no. Until a few weeks ago, the system was planned to take effect this month, but it has now been postponed until this fall.

ETIAS are not visas; Americans and Canadians can still travel for three months or less in Europe without visas. ETIAS are designed to strengthen border controls by checking on all visitors and their travel plans in Europe. The United States requires a similar pre-approval of travelers before entering, and Europeans see this as a fair turn-about.

For traveling families, it will be just one more thing to do before a trip. Applying for the ETIAS is done entirely online and the process is fairly straight-forward; ETIAS are expected to be approved within a day or two.

Each family member will need one, and they are valid for three years or until the passport expires. The fee is $20, but it is waived for travelers under 18 and over 70. You’ll need to answer security questions for each traveler, including travel history, health conditions and criminal background.

You will not be able to apply for these until the system is launched, expected to be between October and December 2026. Don’t worry: You’ll have plenty of time to apply when it launches. It is expected there will be a six-month grace period after the launch. For updates and details, visit https://etias.com.