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European Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) - DELAYED UNTIL 2024

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an entry requirement for visa exempt nationals to travel to a selection of countries, including Switzerland. It is linked to the passport of a traveller and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. You will need a new ETIAS travel authorisation should you get a new passport.

A valid ETIAS travel authorisation will enable you to enter these European countries as often as you want for short term stays, which is usually for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

To obtain an ETIAS authorisation you will be required to submit an application form using either the official ETIAS website (linked below) or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.

Who should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Generally, you will require an ETIAS travel authorisation if you meet all of the following criteria:

-You are not an EU national

-You are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for short-term stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS (find here)

-You do not have a residence permit/card/document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS

Some travellers may be exempted from the requirement to have an ETIAS travel authorisation, so please check the sections on who should apply and exemptions before filling out the application.

When does ETIAS come into force?

ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations will be collected at this point.

It is expected that ETIAS will be operational in 2024, the date has not yet been set and is likely to be set at the end of 2023.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will work in conjunction with the new ETIAS authorisation system, both have been delayed until 2024. Although ETIAS has been delayed alongside EES, it has previously been scheduled to come into operation a few months after EES.

We will keep an eye out for updates on when ETIAS will come into effect, if you would like more information on the official ETIAS website in the meantime, please click here.