ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time you can come and go as often as you like, but never more than 90 days within any 180-day period.
3 years… or less
If your passport expires in 2 years, your ETIAS will also last 2 years. So it makes sense to renew your passport before applying if it's close to expiring.
If you get a new passport (expiry, loss, name or nationality change), you need a new ETIAS, because it's linked to your passport number.
90 days in 180: the most broken rule
ETIAS validity doesn't extend your stay. All Schengen countries are counted together, and entry and exit days count too. Cyprus is counted separately.
We explain it with examples in the 90/180 rule guide, and you can count your days with the calculator.
How to renew it
You don't renew it: you apply for a new one. You'll get an email as expiry approaches, and you can apply for the new one up to 120 days before the current one expires.
Validity examples
| Your passport expires in… | Your ETIAS will be valid for… |
|---|---|
| 8 years | 3 years |
| 2 years | 2 years (until the passport expires) |
| You renew your passport | The old ETIAS stops working: apply again |
You must hold a valid ETIAS for your entire stay, not only when you enter.
What happens if you overstay
With the EES, overstays are detected automatically. A person found staying illegally must follow return procedures; in some cases this comes with an entry ban of up to 5 years, recorded in the Schengen Information System. Anyone who has used their 90 days and tries to enter again is refused at the border.
Frequently asked questions
My son got ETIAS at 16 and just turned 18. Is it still valid?
Yes. ETIAS stays valid until it expires, regardless of the holder's age.
Can I stay 90 days in a row?
Yes, if you haven't been in the Schengen Area in the previous 180 days. After that you'll have to leave and wait for days to drop out of the 180-day window.
What happens if I stay longer than 90 days?
The EES flags it automatically. You could be fined, removed or banned from returning for years.
How long can you stay in Europe without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries, if your nationality is visa-exempt. Cyprus is counted separately.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Not with ETIAS. For a longer stay you need a national long-stay visa or residence permit.
Keep reading
Sources
- European Commission: validity and renewal (ETIAS FAQ)
- European Commission: EES FAQ (90/180 calculation)
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.