Updated November 2026: ETIAS still isn’t running. The EU says it is “currently not in operation” and will announce the start date several months before launch. The EU’s portal has dropped its “last quarter of 2026” window, and launch is now widely expected in 2027. When it does arrive, Americans will pay €20 (up from the €7 originally planned). Travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
ETIAS 2026 at a glance
- Status: not yet operational; no applications accepted
- Start date: not set; the EU will announce it months ahead, and 2027 is now widely expected
- Fee: €20 per application; free for under-18s and over-70s
- Validity: three years, or until your passport expires if sooner
- Stays covered: short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across 30 European countries
- Already in force: the Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since April 10, 2026
EES: what has already changed
The Entry/Exit System is the other half of Europe’s new border setup, and it is already live. Rollout began in October 2025, and since April 10, 2026 it has been fully operational at all external Schengen borders. On your first entry, border officers record your facial image, fingerprints and passport details, and manual passport stamping is no longer required. Allow extra time at busy crossings, where processing can be slower.
Official information lives on the European Commission’s ETIAS page and travel-europe.europa.eu. Avoid third-party sites that charge to “apply” before the system opens.
The background: why ETIAS kept slipping
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been in development for several years, but its rollout has faced multiple delays. Initially planned for 2021, the launch was pushed to 2022, then 2023, and later to 2024. When this article was first published in January 2025, ETIAS was expected to go live in 2025; that date slipped too. The uncertainty has left many travelers wondering when the system will officially come into effect. Here’s what American travelers need to know about ETIAS and how to prepare for its eventual implementation.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization designed to strengthen security within Europe. Similar to the U.S. ESTA, it involves a digital application process where travelers provide personal, travel, and health information. The system screens applicants through various databases to identify potential risks before granting approval.
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS will be required for short stays in 30 European countries, including the Schengen Area countries such as France, Italy and Germany, plus Cyprus.
How to Apply for ETIAS
- Documents Needed: A valid passport (at least three months beyond your stay), travel insurance, and potentially additional documents for minors.
- Online Application: Fill out the form on the official ETIAS portal, providing accurate personal and travel details.
- Fee: The application will cost €20 for travelers aged 18 to 70 (raised from the originally planned €7). Processing typically takes minutes, but approval may require additional time in some cases.
How long is it good for?
- Once approved, ETIAS remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
- Each visit must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Changes such as passport renewal will necessitate updating the ETIAS.
ETIAS aims to enhance security by pre-screening visa-exempt travelers, ensuring smooth and safe entry into Europe for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
Read more about other travel fees to look out for in our articles about the UK ETA for Americans and the tourist fees at some of Europe’s most popular destinations. Flying over soon? Here are the easiest nonstops from Boston to Europe and my Europe packing list.
FAQ
When will Americans need ETIAS?
Not yet. The EU hasn’t set a start date and says it will announce one several months in advance. Launch is now widely expected in 2027.
How much does ETIAS cost?
€20 per application. Travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee.
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It’s a travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers like Americans, similar to the US ESTA, valid for three years or until your passport expires.
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System, which digitally records non-EU travelers’ entries and exits, including fingerprints and a facial image, and replaces passport stamps. It has been fully operational since April 10, 2026.