ETIAS is for people who visit Europe visa-free today: a €20 online permit valid for 3 years. The Schengen visa is for nationalities that need a visa: you apply at a consulate or visa center with more paperwork, and it's usually valid for a specific trip or period. You'll never need both for the same trip.
Differences at a glance
ETIAS
- ✓100% online, no appointments or interviews (except rare cases)
- ✓€20 (free under 18 and over 70)
- ✓Decision usually within minutes
- ✓Valid for 3 years and multiple trips
- ✓For people who travel visa-free today
Schengen visa
- •Appointment at a consulate or visa center
- •Higher fee and more paperwork
- •Takes days or weeks
- •Usually issued for a specific trip or period
- •For visa-required nationalities (India, China, South Africa…)
Which one do I need?
It depends on your passport. If you're on the list of 59 nationalities, ETIAS (once it starts). If not, a Schengen visa. Check in 2 clicks with the checker.
If I already have a visa, do I need ETIAS?
No. Holders of a Schengen visa or a national long-stay visa don't need ETIAS.
Can someone who needs a visa use ETIAS?
In a few specific cases, yes. For example, pupils who would normally need a visa but live in a visa-exempt country and travel on an organised school trip, or refugees and stateless people living in certain visa-exempt countries, may be able to travel with ETIAS instead of a visa. The rules vary by destination country, so check the official lists before applying.
Work, study and long stays
Neither ETIAS nor a short-stay Schengen visa lets you work. With ETIAS you can attend business meetings and conferences and take short courses under 90 days. For a job, longer studies or a stay over 90 days, you need a national long-stay visa (type D) from the country where you'll live.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work with ETIAS?
No. To work you need a work visa from the country. ETIAS is only for short stays (tourism, visits, short business trips).
Does the Schengen visa have the 90/180 limit too?
Yes. Short stays, with a visa or ETIAS, have the same 90-in-180 limit.
If I have a valid Schengen visa, do I need ETIAS?
No. Travellers with a valid visa don't need ETIAS.
Is ETIAS easier to get than a Schengen visa?
Much easier: it's online, costs €20, takes minutes in most cases and requires no appointment, interview or supporting documents.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.