ETIAS – a new EU system for travel information and travel authorisation
With a planned start mid 2025, people from over 60 visa-free countries are required to have a travel authorisation, ETIAS, to enter the majority of European countries, including Sweden, for short stays.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an EU- system to be put into operation in 30 European countries- all countries in the Schengen area and Cyprus. With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
The travel authorisation is linked to a travellers passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
ETIAS will strengthen Europe’s internal security by carrying out pre-travel screening of visa-free travellers to determine whether they pose a security, illegal immigration, or public health risk.
Application for a travel authorisation
It is not yet possible to apply for ETIAS. When ETIAS is in operation, the application for a travel authorisation can be made by filling out an application form available on EU's official ETIAS website.
Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs 7 Euro, but some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Most applications are processed within minutes. However, sometimes it takes longer, so it is important to apply well in advance.
Unofficial websites about ETIAS
Be aware that there are currently a number of unofficial websites posing as official ETIAS websites and asking users to register sensitive information such as name, passport number and card details. ETIAS is not in operation yet and it is not possible to apply for a travel authorisation. Do not leave any information on unofficial websites that already claims that it is possible to register ETIAS travel authorisations for you or someone else. If you have already provided your details, you should contact the police in your home country.
Who should apply for ETIAS
On EU's official ETIAS website there is information about which European countries requires an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply and who is exempt.
Start date not determined
ETIAS is currently not in operation. Planned start is mid 2025, pending a decision from the EU.
For more information, visit the EU's official ETIAS website. The information can be translated into different languages.