How to apply for ETIAS
The ETIAS application is completed entirely online and takes approximately 10 minutes for most applicants. This guide walks you through each step of the process.
Prepare your documents
Before starting your application, gather your valid biometric passport, a working email address, and a credit or debit card for payment.
Access the official application
Navigate to the official ETIAS application portal. Ensure you are using the genuine EU website to avoid fraudulent services.
Enter your personal information
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport, including your full name, date of birth, and nationality.
Payment and fees
The ETIAS application fee structure is as follows:
Standard fee: EUR 20 for applicants aged 18 to 70.
Fee exemptions: Travelers under 18 years of age and those over 70 are exempt from the fee. Family members of EU citizens exercising free movement rights may also be exempt in certain circumstances.
Processing times
ETIAS applications are processed on the following timeline:
Most applications: The majority of applications receive a decision within minutes. The automated system checks your information against security databases and provides an immediate response.
Additional processing: Some applications require manual review by authorities. This can take up to 14 days if additional checks are needed.
Before you start your application
Prepare the following before beginning your ETIAS application:
Valid passport: Your passport must be biometric (machine-readable with a chip) and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Europe. The passport number, issue date, and expiry date must be clearly legible.
Email address: You will receive all communications about your application via email, including your authorization confirmation or any requests for additional information.
Payment method: Have a credit or debit card ready to pay the EUR 20 application fee. Major card brands are accepted.
Travel plans: While not strictly required, having a general idea of your first destination country can help with certain application questions.
Accurate information: Ensure you can enter all information exactly as it appears in your passport. Discrepancies can cause delays or refusals.
Completing the application form
The ETIAS application collects several categories of information:
Personal details: Your full name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, and current residence address as shown in your passport.
Passport information: Your passport number, issue date, expiry date, and issuing country. The system may verify this against your passport chip data.
Contact information: Email address for correspondence and optionally a phone number.
Travel information: Your first intended country of arrival in Europe and your planned address or hotel during your visit.
Background questions: You will answer yes/no questions about criminal convictions, previous immigration issues, travel to conflict zones, and certain medical conditions.
Employment details: Basic information about your current occupation and employer may be requested.
All information should be entered accurately. Intentionally providing false information can result in refusal and may affect future travel.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these frequent errors that can delay or jeopardize your application:
Name discrepancies: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, including any middle names and special characters. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions.
Passport number errors: Double-check your passport number carefully. Transposed digits are a common cause of application problems.
Email typos: Ensure your email address is correct, as all communications will be sent there. A wrong email means you will not receive your authorization.
Incomplete answers: Answer all questions completely. Leaving fields blank or selecting incorrect options can trigger manual review.
Rushing the security questions: Read each background question carefully. Answering incorrectly could flag your application or constitute misrepresentation.
Using unofficial websites: Only apply through the official EU ETIAS portal. Third-party websites may charge excessive fees or collect your data fraudulently.