ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. It is not a visa, but eligible visa-exempt travellers will need to check whether authorisation applies before travelling to participating European countries. The safe advice is to use only the official ETIAS website or app when applications open and avoid unofficial paid lookalike services.
What this means for travellers
- Check official requirements close to departure.
- Allow extra time for airports, borders and document checks.
- Keep booking, insurance and passport details easy to access.
Verified source: Official EU Travel Europe / ETIAS
Source checked: 17 August 2026.