The European Union (EU) has been implementing a new travel authorisation system, similar to the American ESTA, affecting visitors from non-EU countries. 

If you're from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, or the UK, here's what you need to know before embarking on your European hiking holiday. 

What you need to know about the new ETIAS Travel Authorisation

What is an ETIAS Travel Authorisation?

Proposed by the European Commission in November 2016, ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Its purpose is to establish a digital vetting system designed to identify security threats, irregular migration, and high epidemic risks presented by visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen states.

What's changing?

Entry/Exit System (EES)

Starting from 12 October 2025, the EU has begun phasing in the EES, replacing manual passport stamping at borders. All non-EU visitors will be required to:

• Scan their passport

• Provide a fingerprint and facial image

• Have their entry and exit dates digitally recorded

EES applies regardless of nationality or travel purpose, and it will be fully operational by April 2026. 

Read more about the EES on the travel-europe.europa.eu website. 

ETIAS

Following the EES, ETIAS will become mandatory in late 2026 (exact date TBC). Once it launches:

• Travellers will need an ETIAS before entering Schengen countries

• It's valid for 3 years or until your passport expires

• You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period

• Applications will be completed online or via an app

• The fee is €20 for travellers aged 18–70
  (Previously €7, but recently increased)

Note: ETIAS is not required for airport transits or long-stay visas. It is only for short-term leisure, business, or transit trips.

When do these changes commence?

• EES: Rolls out 12 October 2025, fully active by April 2026

• ETIAS: Goes live 6 months after EES, so expect it in late 2026, with a grace period before it becomes mandatory in early 2027

Until then, UK, US, AU, CA, and NZ citizens can continue travelling visa-free, but should prepare for biometric checks from late 2025.

How to apply for the ETIAS Travel Authorisation 

Once ETIAS goes live, applications must be made via the official EU site:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

Avoid third-party sites or scams, this is the only official source. Most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to 30 days, so don’t leave it to the last minute.

Important considerations for long stays of over 90 days 

If you're combining your active holiday with an extended visit, note:

• ETIAS only covers short stays (under 90 days)

• Anything longer requires a national long-stay visa

• You must apply with the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time

• Long-stay visas are usually granted for specific reasons like study, family reunification, or work

Always check requirements with your destination country’s embassy.

What countries are part of the Schengen Area?

You'll need an ETIAS to visit these 30 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

These are Schengen members or upcoming ETIAS participants.

Countries not requiring ETIAS include: Ireland, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, and others.

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Browse our wide range of affordable guided and self-guided holidays across the continent.

Page last updated 27 February 2026.