Is there already a website for Etias?
Etias is not expected to come in until the last quarter of 2026
I saw a website offering the Etias visa waiver authorisation already – has this started now?
No, Etias is not expected to come in until the last quarter of 2026, so beware any websites suggesting otherwise.
In fact, there have been warnings about such sites from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, which report having identified “over 50” questionable websites regarding the scheme.
These websites are of particular concern because, as part of Etias applications, visitors will have to hand over personal information, including passport and credit card details.
Etias will be an electronic approval to enter the Schengen area for nationals of countries that do not need a visa to enter the EU, such as Britons, Americans and Australians.
The scheme will allow for authorised businesses to act as commercial intermediaries for holidaymakers, taking care of the administrative process for visitors.
It is possible that in due course there will be some ‘intermediary’ sites which will genuinely carry out the Etias process for you, however if so this will be at a premium.
This is the only official website for Etias applications and even intermediaries applying on behalf of someone else.
Applications using the official site will cost €20 – if using an intermediary, any additional costs above this amount will be pocketed by the company.
Using an intermediary will require you to hand over personal information for them to complete the application for you.
All visiting citizens of visa-free non-EU countries will have to apply online and pay the €20 fee for the scheme (although it is free for children and those over 70).
An Etias visa waiver will be valid for three years, and most applications will be processed within a few minutes.
Those arriving from countries where a visa is already required will see no change with the implementation of the scheme.
The Etias and EES projects – closely linked with the overarching goal of increasing border security – have seen a number of delays and EES is now expected to come into force in autumn 2025.
As Etias will tie in with the European Entry/Exit System, which will digitally register entrants to the Schengen Area from abroad to better track their stay within the bloc, it is expected to launch around six months after the EES does.
The UK also now has its own digital border scheme, which became applicable to almost all foreign visitors as of April 2025.
It sees those entering the UK having to pay before entering the country, although citizens of the UK and Ireland are exempt from the process.