How to apply for ETIAS

ETIAS applications are not open

As of September 12, 2026, the official EU ETIAS website says ETIAS is not operating and it is not collecting applications. The EU says it will announce the specific start date several months before launch. You cannot obtain an official ETIAS authorization today.

“ETIAS registration,” “apply online,” and “ETIAS application” refer to the same future application process. A private waiting list or pre-registration payment is not an official application. Start from the EU website when checking whether the system has opened.

Prepare your information without submitting it here

The EU’s application requirements describe travel-document details, contact information, education and occupation, intended travel, and background questions. Check the official requirements for your travel document and circumstances. Use the required-information checklist to prepare; Europe Trip Today does not collect your passport details or submit an application.

After launch, the EU says applicants will use its official website or official mobile application. Its published application fee is €20, with exemptions. Check the fee and exemption guide separately from whether you need an authorization. Do not pay an application fee while applications are closed.

Submission and approval are different emails

The EU’s ETIAS overview describes two notices: an email confirming submission with a unique application number, and a later email communicating the outcome. Keep the application number. A submission confirmation is not an approval.

The EU describes most applications as processed within minutes, but some take longer and may require additional information or an interview. Treat that as guidance for the future system, not a promise of instant approval. Read the current official processing guidance before booking around an assumed decision time.

Once you receive an authorization, check the name and passport details against your travel document. The EU says a new passport requires a new ETIAS authorization. An authorization does not guarantee entry; border authorities still check entry conditions.

1. Now: check EU status

   The EU is not collecting applications. Do not pay to apply.

2. After launch: submission

   The confirmation email includes an application number. Keep it.

3. Then: decision email

   Read the outcome. A submission confirmation is not approval.

4. If approved: check details

   Match your name and passport. Authorization does not guarantee entry.

Check the status before following an application link

Use the official EU status page first. A domain or advertisement containing “ETIAS” does not establish that it is an EU service. If an application page asks for passport or payment information while the official system remains closed, stop and recheck the EU announcement.

For planning questions, use the free trip checker. For timing, keep the ETIAS start-date guide as the main reference rather than relying on an undated search snippet.

Official sources checked September 12, 2026: ETIAS status, application requirements, and ETIAS overview.