What is ETIAS?
ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — is a new pre-travel authorisation the EU will require from visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen Area, expected to launch in late 2026. It is not a visa: it's a quick online check linked to your passport, similar to the US ESTA.
What ETIAS is (and isn't)
ETIAS is an electronic authorisation tied to your passport that screens visa-exempt travellers before they arrive. It does not replace a visa for nationalities that need one, and it doesn't guarantee entry — border officers still decide at the frontier. Think of it as permission to board and approach the border, not a guaranteed welcome.
When it starts
ETIAS is tied to the rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES). Current guidance points to a launch in the final quarter of 2026, becoming mandatory a few months later. Until it is officially live, no one can hold a valid ETIAS — and any site claiming to issue one today is not legitimate.
Cost and validity
The official ETIAS fee is €20, with exemptions for applicants under 18 and over 70. Once approved, an ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first — and covers unlimited short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
How HelpMyVisa helps
We are an independent service, not affiliated with the EU. We prepare and submit your ETIAS through the official system on your behalf for an all-inclusive €35 — the €20 government fee plus a €15 service fee — with a full refund any time before we submit.
Frequently asked questions
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It's a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals; it doesn't replace a Schengen visa where one is required.
How much does ETIAS cost?
The official fee is €20. HelpMyVisa's all-inclusive done-for-you price is €35.
How long is ETIAS valid?
Up to three years or until your passport expires, for multiple short stays.
Does ETIAS guarantee entry?
No — border guards make the final decision on arrival.