ETIAS Travel Requirement 2025: What It Means for UK, US & Canadian Travelers

ETIAS Travel Requirement 2025: What It Means for UK, US & Canadian Travelers

Planning a trip to Europe from the UK, US, or Canada in 2025? You’ll want to be aware of a new travel requirement: ETIAS, short for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Starting soon, this mandatory travel authorisation will affect millions of travelers heading to the EU — even if you didn’t need a visa before.

Here’s what you need to know to avoid surprises at the airport.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is an upcoming entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries — such as the UK, US, and Canada — who are visiting the Schengen Area for short stays. It's not a visa, but rather an electronic travel authorisation, similar to the ESTA system used for travel to the United States.

Once approved, your ETIAS will be digitally linked to your passport and will allow multiple short trips (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) across 30 European countries. The authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

Who Needs an ETIAS?

If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, yes — you will need an ETIAS to enter Europe.

That includes:

• UK residents

• US and Canadian passport holders

• Travelers from 60+ other visa-exempt nations

There are limited exceptions, such as for accredited diplomats and some travelers with EU family residency cards. But for most people, an approved ETIAS will be required before boarding a flight, ferry, train, or bus headed to Europe.

When Does ETIAS Begin?

ETIAS is expected to launch in mid to late 2025, though an official start date hasn’t been confirmed. We’ll keep this article updated as soon as a final timeline is announced.

Until then, travel remains visa-free — but once ETIAS goes live, it will be mandatory for entry into EU countries covered by the program.

How Do You Apply for ETIAS?

The ETIAS application process will be online, quick, and relatively inexpensive:

• Cost: €7 (approx. £6 / $7.50 USD)

• Where: Official ETIAS website or mobile app

• Approval Time: Usually within minutes, though it can take up to 14–30 days in rare cases (if extra documentation or an interview is required)

Once approved, your ETIAS is tied to the passport you applied with. If you get a new passport later, you’ll need to reapply.

Important: You must use the same passport for both your ETIAS application and travel. Multiple passports? Only use the one that holds your valid ETIAS.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

If you attempt to travel without an ETIAS (once it’s in force), you won’t be allowed to board your flight or enter Europe. Airline and border officials will verify the authorisation digitally, so there’s no physical document to carry — but it must be active and tied to your travel document.

No ETIAS = no entry.

Why Could an ETIAS Be Denied?

While most applications will be approved quickly, some might be refused based on:

• Invalid or expired passport

• Security or immigration risk

• Missing documents or interview failure

• Criminal background or previous entry bans

If your application is denied, you’ll be notified and given a chance to appeal the decision.

Plan Ahead — But Don’t Panic

ETIAS is a major change in how many travelers enter Europe, but it’s not difficult to manage. Once approved, you’ll be free to explore the EU without additional paperwork — just remember to apply in advance and make sure your passport is valid.

Whether you're heading to Paris, Barcelona, or Rome, the best way to avoid disruptions is to plan ahead and stay informed.

And remember: if your flight is delayed or cancelled en route to Europe, you may be eligible for compensation under EU261 — and that’s where ClaimBeacon can help. Apply Here

ETIAS travel requirement 2025.