ETIAS travel authorization

Planning a European adventure? Starting between October and December of 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting many countries in Europe. This isn’t a visa; it’s a travel authorization designed to enhance border security and track who’s entering and exiting the region.

While the European Union hasn’t announced an exact launch date yet, they’ll notify travelers several months in advance. We’ll also keep this article updated and share any new details in the Getting ready section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers).

Who needs ETIAS?

If you’re a passport holder from one of over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S. and Canada, you’ll need ETIAS authorization to visit 30 European countries. Even if you’ve traveled to these destinations before without any paperwork, you’ll now need to complete this form.

Good to know:

• You only need to apply once, even if visiting multiple ETIAS-required countries
• ETIAS is not required for layovers, as long as you stay in the international transit area of the airport

How to apply

Once ETIAS becomes available, the application will be completed online.

Here’s what to expect:

• Provide basic personal details, passport info, and travel plans
• Pay the fee (free for travelers under 18 or over 70)
• Most applications will be processed within four days
• No physical document is issued - your ETIAS is linked to your passport

Validity

• ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
• You can enter ETIAS countries multiple times during the validity period

ETIAS-required countries

Here’s a list of ETIAS destinations that Go Ahead Tours travels to. Be sure to also consider any countries you plan to visit independently before or after your tour.