You'll apply online only, on the official website travel-europe.europa.eu or in the official ETIAS app: fill in the form with your passport details, answer a few questions, pay €20 and get the decision by email. You can't apply yet.
The 4 steps
Fill in the form
Passport details, contact info, education, job and a few security questions.
Pay €20
Online. Free if you're under 18 or over 70.
Get it by email
Usually within minutes; at most 96 hours unless they ask for more info.
Off you go!
It's linked to your passport for 3 years. At the border you're registered in the EES.
What to have ready
- A valid passport recognized by European countries, valid for more than 3 months after you leave and issued less than 10 years ago.
- An email address you control: everything is sent there, including revocation notices.
- A card to pay €20 (unless you're exempt: under 18, over 70 and some family members of EU citizens).
- Your trip details: the first country you'll stay in and the address.
- Info about your education, current job and your parents' first names.
The process in detail
- Go to the official website or app. You can save a draft and come back: it's kept for 48 hours.
- Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Only the Latin alphabet is accepted. The form is available in all 24 official EU languages, plus Norwegian and Icelandic.
- Answer the security questions: serious criminal convictions, travel to war or conflict zones and recent removal orders.
- Review everything (you can download a copy) and pay.
- You'll get an email with your application number and, usually within minutes, the decision.
How long does it take?
Most applications are decided within minutes. Otherwise you'll hear back within 96 hours at most. If they ask for more information you have 10 days to send it; in some cases you'll be invited to an interview (at the nearest consulate or online) and they'll decide within 48 hours. In total it can take up to 30 more days. That's why the EU recommends applying before you buy your tickets.
Mistakes to avoid
Watch your passport number. If you mix up zero (0) and the letter O, your authorization won't match your document and you won't be able to board.
- Using an email address you don't control (an agency's, for example).
- Paying on unofficial websites: they add extra fees.
- Applying with a passport you're about to renew: ETIAS is linked to that passport.
ETIAS processing time: what to expect
| Situation | Official time |
|---|---|
| Most applications | Minutes |
| Not decided straight away | Answer within 96 hours |
| Additional information requested | You have 10 days to send it; decision within 96 hours of receiving it |
| Interview (nearest consulate or online) | Decision within 48 hours after the interview |
| Longest cases | Up to about 30 days in total |
The EU's advice: get your ETIAS before you buy tickets and book hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone apply for me?
Yes: a relative, a friend or an agency, if you authorize them and you both sign a declaration of representation. Agencies may charge on top of the €20.
Can I apply for my whole family at once?
No. Applications are individual: everyone, including children, needs their own.
Do I need to print my ETIAS?
No: airlines and border officers check it in the system. You can carry a copy if it makes you feel better.
I made a mistake after submitting. What now?
The fastest fix is to apply for a new ETIAS with the right details. For small typos you can request a correction, but it can take up to 30 days.
How long does the ETIAS application take?
Filling in the form takes about 10 minutes. Most people get an answer within minutes; some cases take up to 96 hours, and a few up to about 30 days if more information or an interview is needed.
When should I apply for ETIAS?
Before you buy your tickets and book accommodation, as the EU recommends. Remember that it isn't possible to apply yet.
Keep reading
Sources
- European Commission: ETIAS FAQ (applying, timing, languages)
- European Commission: official ETIAS website
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.