Thinking Europe in 2025? You may need ETIAS.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. If you planning on travelling to certain countries in Europe next year, you should be aware of this new travel document coming into effect in 2025, although no date is confirmed yet and no applications are being taken yet. We at Travel Inspired will send out news updates as the ETIAS schedule becomes clearer.
When it comes into effect, an ETIAS document will be mandatory for visits to all countries in the Schengen Area Named after the village where the agreement was signed, it is made up of 27 European countries (EU plus some non-EU countries )that agreed to create common entry and exit requirements in order to remove the need for internal borders. You many travel freely inside the Schengen area, but you will require the appropriate visa or ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area.
Will I need an ETIAS?
Unless you fall under one of the exceptions, you likely will be required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorization to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. These include visitors from Canada, USA and the United Kingdom. Travellers without such authorization will be refused entry at the border.
ETIAS is not a residence permit or a study/work visa, nor does it guarantee you entry. Having the travel authorization only allows you to enter and remain in the territory for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay in a European country requiring ETIAS for a longer period, you will most likely need a long-term visa. Travellers with a valid visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorization.
What are the Rules?
ETIAS is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorization entitles you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorization during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.
Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first.
It's important that you apply for ETIAS and travel to Europe using the same passport. If you replace or renew your passport for any reason, you need to apply for a new ETIAS.
Countries that will require ETIAS
AUSTRIA
BELGIUM
BULGARIA
CROATIA
CYPRUS
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
ESTONIA
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GREECE
HUNGARY
ICELAND
ITALY
LATVIA
LIECHTENSTEIN
LITHUANIA
LUXEMBOURG
MALTA
NETHERLANDS
NORWAY
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA
SPAIN
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
What's Next?
We are monitoring this and will provide more information as it becomes available via our newsletter. When you book with us, we will explain the requirements and ensure you are in compliance.