Before You Start
Successful ETIAS applications begin with proper preparation. Before accessing the official application portal, gather the necessary information and documents to ensure a smooth submission process. Having everything ready prevents errors and reduces the risk of delays or complications.
You will need your valid biometric passport from an ETIAS-eligible country. Check that your passport meets validity requirements, specifically that it will not expire within three months of your planned departure from the Schengen Area and was issued within the past ten years. Have the physical passport in hand to enter details accurately.
Prepare a working email address that you check regularly. All communication from ETIAS authorities, including approval notifications and requests for additional information, will be sent to this address. Use an email account you actively monitor and can access throughout your travel planning period.
Have a valid payment method ready if you are between 18 and 70 years of age. ETIAS accepts major credit cards and debit cards for fee payment. Ensure your card can process international transactions and has sufficient funds or credit available. Payment is required before your application enters the processing queue.
Consider your travel plans, including your intended first country of entry into the Schengen Area. While this does not restrict your travel options once authorized, the information helps route your application appropriately if manual review becomes necessary.
Step 1: Access the Official Application Portal
The only legitimate ETIAS application channel is the official portal operated by the European Union. When the system becomes operational, applications will be available through a dedicated website and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. These official channels are free from markups or service fees beyond the standard ETIAS charge.
Be cautious of unofficial websites that claim to process ETIAS applications. Numerous commercial services charge excessive fees for submitting applications on your behalf, often adding no value beyond what you can accomplish directly. Some fraudulent sites collect personal information for identity theft purposes. Always verify you are using official EU resources.
The official ETIAS portal will be accessible at travel-europe.europa.eu when the system launches. Bookmark this address and access it directly rather than following links from search results or advertisements. The European Commission will provide clear guidance on official application channels as the launch date approaches.
Mobile applications will be available through official app stores. Look for applications published by the European Union or eu-LISA. Read reviews carefully and verify publisher credentials before downloading any ETIAS-related application.
Step 2: Enter Personal Information
The application begins with your personal details. Enter your surname and given names exactly as they appear in your passport, including any middle names. Use the spelling shown in the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport's data page, as this is what automated systems will reference.
Provide your date of birth, place of birth, and current nationality. If you hold multiple nationalities, indicate all of them. The system needs complete nationality information to assess your eligibility accurately and route your application to appropriate reviewing authorities if necessary.
Enter your current home address, including country of residence if different from your nationality. This information helps establish your travel context and may be relevant for manual review scenarios. Use your primary residence address even if you have multiple homes.
Provide contact information including your email address and phone number. Double-check the email address for accuracy, as it serves as your primary communication channel with ETIAS authorities. Consider providing a mobile phone number that can receive international calls or messages.
Step 3: Enter Passport Details
Accurate passport information is critical for ETIAS processing. Enter your passport number exactly as it appears in your document, including any letters and their correct case. Common errors include confusing the number zero with the letter O, or the number one with the letter I. Refer to your machine-readable zone for the authoritative format.
Specify your passport's issue date and expiration date. These dates determine your authorization validity period and confirm compliance with Schengen entry requirements. Your ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Indicate the country that issued your passport. This corresponds to your passport's nationality, though in some cases passports may be issued by consulates in different countries. Enter the issuing country as shown in the passport's data section.
If prompted, provide information about any additional passports or travel documents you hold. Declaring multiple documents helps prevent complications during travel and ensures accurate record-keeping across European systems.
Step 4: Answer Background Questions
The ETIAS application includes questions about your background, travel history, and health. Answer all questions truthfully and completely. Providing false information is grounds for denial and can result in future travel restrictions. Honest answers to concerning questions do not automatically result in denial but may trigger additional review.
Questions cover previous visits to countries experiencing conflict or significant security concerns. If you have traveled to such regions, explain the purpose of your visits when prompted. Legitimate reasons such as journalism, humanitarian work, or family connections can be clarified during manual review.
Criminal history questions ask about convictions for specific serious offenses. These typically include violent crimes, drug trafficking, terrorism-related offenses, and human trafficking. Disclose any relevant convictions as instructed, understanding that disclosure enables fair assessment rather than guaranteeing denial.
Health questions relate to communicable diseases that may pose public health concerns. The specific diseases queried may vary based on current health situations. Answer based on your knowledge at the time of application. These questions do not require medical documentation unless specifically requested during review.
Immigration history questions cover previous visa refusals, deportations, or overstays in the Schengen Area or other countries. Accurate disclosure of past issues demonstrates good faith and allows authorities to assess your current travel intentions fairly.
Step 5: Specify Travel Details
Indicate the Schengen member state you intend to enter first. This information helps route your application to the appropriate ETIAS National Unit if manual review becomes necessary. Your choice does not restrict your actual travel plans, and you remain free to enter through any Schengen country once authorized.
If known, provide information about your intended accommodation during your first entry. This might include hotel names, addresses of friends or family hosting you, or planned regions of travel. Specific details are not required at application stage, but providing available information can support your application.
Some applications may ask about employment status and occupation. This contextual information helps establish your circumstances and travel purpose. Students, employed individuals, self-employed persons, and retirees each have appropriate categories.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
The ETIAS application fee is €7 for applicants between 18 and 70 years of age. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee and proceed directly to submission after completing the application form. The fee covers the entire three-year authorization period.
Payment is processed through secure online payment systems. Major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as debit cards with these network affiliations. Some regional payment methods may also be available depending on your location.
Complete payment information including card number, expiration date, and security code will be required. The payment page will be encrypted and secured according to European data protection standards. Your financial information is not stored by the ETIAS system after transaction completion.
Payment confirmation is sent to your email address and displayed on screen. Save this confirmation for your records. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome, so ensure your information is correct before proceeding to payment.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Before final submission, carefully review all information entered in your application. Check every field against your passport and ensure no typographical errors exist. Corrections after submission may require contacting ETIAS authorities and can delay processing.
Verify your contact information is accurate, as this determines how you receive results and any requests for additional information. Incorrect email addresses prevent communication and can result in application abandonment if time limits for responding to requests expire.
Read and accept the terms and conditions, privacy notice, and data processing consent. These documents explain how your information will be used, stored, and protected. Understanding your rights regarding ETIAS data is important for any future inquiries or corrections.
Submit your completed application. You will receive immediate confirmation that your submission was received, along with an application number. Save this number, as it allows you to track your application status and is required for any future correspondence with ETIAS authorities.
Processing Times
Most ETIAS applications receive approval within minutes of submission. The automated system processes straightforward applications rapidly, and applicants with no concerning indicators typically receive authorization almost immediately after completing payment.
Applications requiring manual review may take up to 96 hours for initial assessment. During this period, ETIAS National Unit personnel evaluate the specific concerns that triggered review. No action is required from applicants unless a request for additional information is received.
If additional documentation or clarification is requested, applicants typically receive 96 hours to respond. Failure to respond within this timeframe may result in application denial. Monitor your email carefully throughout the processing period, including spam and junk folders.
Complex cases involving security considerations or requiring consultation between multiple agencies can extend to 30 days. While such extended processing is uncommon, applicants should apply well in advance of travel dates to accommodate potential delays.
Correcting Application Errors
Minor errors discovered after submission can often be corrected through the ETIAS portal. Using your application number and passport details, access the application status page to request corrections. Typographical errors in contact information or non-critical fields are typically correctable without restarting the application.
Errors in passport information, including passport number, name spelling as it appears in the document, or date of birth, require more careful handling. These fields are critical for verification and matching against border control systems. Contact the ETIAS Central Unit for guidance on correcting identity-related errors.
If errors are discovered after authorization has been granted, assess whether the error affects your ability to travel. Minor discrepancies may not cause border crossing problems, but significant errors, particularly in passport numbers, can prevent verification and should be corrected before travel.
In some cases, starting a new application may be simpler than correcting errors in an existing one. This is particularly true if the original application has not yet been paid for or if multiple errors exist. The application fee applies to each new submission.
After Approval
Approved ETIAS authorization is electronically linked to your passport and stored in the central system. You do not need to carry printed documentation, though many travelers prefer to have confirmation documents available. Authorization can be verified using the ETIAS portal at any time.
Your authorization remains valid for three years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You may use the same authorization for unlimited entries into the Schengen Area during this period, subject to the 90/180 day stay limitation.
If you obtain a new passport for any reason, including renewal, loss, or damage, you must apply for new ETIAS authorization. The previous authorization cannot be transferred to a different passport document. Begin the new application process promptly if you need to replace your passport.
Periodically verify your authorization status before travel, particularly if significant time has passed since approval. Authorization can be revoked if new information enters security databases, and confirming validity before departure prevents complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the official ETIAS application website?
The official ETIAS application portal will be available at travel-europe.europa.eu when the system launches in 2026. Official mobile applications will be available through Apple App Store and Google Play Store, published by EU institutions. Avoid third-party websites claiming to process applications.
How do I pay the ETIAS fee?
Payment is made online using major credit or debit cards during the application process. The €7 fee is charged after you complete the application form and before submission enters the processing queue. Fee-exempt applicants (under 18 or over 70) skip the payment step.
What if my payment fails?
If payment fails, verify your card details and ensure international transactions are enabled. Try an alternative payment method if available. Incomplete applications without successful payment are not processed and do not receive authorization.
Can someone else complete my application?
Yes. Family members, travel agents, or other authorized persons can complete applications on behalf of travelers. However, the applicant remains responsible for the accuracy of information provided. Parents or legal guardians should complete applications for minor children.
How do I check my application status?
Application status is available through the ETIAS portal using your application number and passport details. Status updates are also sent to the email address provided during application. Check status regularly if you have not received approval notification within expected timeframes.
What happens if I never receive a decision?
If significant time passes without decision notification, first check spam folders for missed communications. Then verify your application status through the portal. If the system shows no record of your application, contact the ETIAS Central Unit for assistance. Payment confirmation proves submission occurred.
Can I expedite processing?
No expedited processing option exists. All applications follow the same automated and manual review procedures regardless of urgency. Apply early to accommodate potential delays rather than relying on rapid processing.
Is there an ETIAS mobile app?
Official ETIAS mobile applications for iOS and Android will be available when the system launches. These applications allow you to complete applications, track status, and store authorization confirmations. Download only from official app stores and verify the publisher credentials.