The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver programme for international travellers visiting European countries, which is scheduled to come into force at the end of 2026.

When searching for the requirements for travelling to Spain, or any other country in Europe, there is one word that appears in all searches: ETIAS. These five letters, ETIAS, are the acronym for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. This is a new visa waiver programme for travellers that will be gradually implemented in many European countries.

In this article, we will try to explain exactly what this new electronic travel authorisation system for Europe is, which countries it will affect, when it will come into force and how to apply for it.

Key points of this article

1. ETIAS is not a visa: it is a prior electronic authorisation for short stays.
2. It will be mandatory from the end of 2026, with an initial transition period.
3. It does not allow you to live, work or study in Spain: only stays of up to 90 days.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a European pre-travel authorisation system that citizens of Schengen visa-exempt countries must obtain before travelling to Spain and other countries in the Schengen area.

Its aim is to strengthen border security and control by verifying in advance whether travellers meet the entry requirements.

Like the US ESTA and other electronic travel authorisation systems, ETIAS has two objectives. On the one hand, it aims to streamline entry into the EU for citizens of many countries with some connection to the Union. On the other hand, it aims to increase surveillance and security at the borders of the Schengen area.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is a new electronic method of authorising travel to countries in the Schengen area, an evolution of migration and border security policy in Europe. Once implemented, citizens of many countries will have to fill out a short online application form in order to travel to Schengen, whether for business, leisure, health or any other reason.

ETIAS will be mandatory for entry into the 30 participating European countries (official list).

Until now, many countries have allowed their citizens to enter Europe without a visa or any other formalities, such as Venezuela, Brazil and the United States, for example. However, from the date on which ETIAS becomes mandatory, these same people will have to apply for a visa waiver through this system as one of the requirements for travelling to Europe.

For their part, nationals of countries that already required a visa will not see their situation change with the implementation of ETIAS. They will still have to apply for one of the different visas available from the date on which ETIAS becomes mandatory.

ETIAS acts as the Schengen Area's counterpart to other visa waiver programmes, such as ESTA in the United States or the respective programmes implemented by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The idea was first proposed to the European Commission in 2016 and became part of European legislation in September 2018.

In addition to ETIAS, the European Union's (EU) new Entry and Exit System (EES) will also come into force, which will mean a significant change in travel within and outside the Schengen area. How do the new EU passport controls affect the 90-day rule?

These are two different systems. Between the EES and ETIAS: what are the main changes for travelling to Europe?

Why does EES make the 90/180-day rule now “mathematical” rather than interpretative?

With the arrival of the EES, the entries and exits of third-country travellers will be automatically recorded. In practice, this minimises the errors and misunderstandings that were common in the past (illegible stamps, manual calculations, confusion with dates).

What changes for travellers? The 90-day rule within a 180-day period will be easier to verify and also more difficult to “interpret”. Therefore, if you travel frequently or make long stays for tourism, it is advisable to plan your schedule and keep proof of your exit/entry.

Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation?

ETIAS, as the new electronic travel authorisation system, will be part of the requirements for travelling to Spain —and all the countries mentioned above— if you are a citizen of the group of countries that are part of the visa waiver programme.

Whether a country is part of this group depends largely on its political and social stability or power, as in the case of the United States, Canada or Japan, its geographical proximity to the EU, as in the case of Great Britain, or its cultural ties. For example, from the Spanish point of view, it is worth noting that 15 Latin American countries will have access to ETIAS.

Citizens of countries that currently can travel to Europe without a visa will have to apply for ETIAS, such as:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan

The following are excluded:

• EU/EEA citizens
• Nationals with a valid Schengen visa
• Holders of EU residence permits

Nationals of the listed visa-exempt countries/territories must obtain an ETIAS travel authorization:

In any case, this group will not be closed and membership will be subject to review. Without going any further, Vanuatu's membership was temporarily suspended in 2022 for immigration reasons.

When will ETIAS come into force?

As for the entry into force of ETIAS, this is an indicative timetable:

Indicative timetable (quick summary)

• EES: operational from October 2025; full implementation during 2026.
• ETIAS: expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, with an initial transition period.
• Mandatory: once the transition is complete, ETIAS will become part of the standard process for visa-exempt travellers.

Although its use will be recommended once it comes into force, the governing bodies of the Schengen area will allow a six-month period for travellers and border officials to adapt to the new system. To this end, information points will be set up at European borders to inform third-country nationals about the changes in requirements for travelling to Europe.

It is not mandatory to apply during the transition period, but the EU encourages travellers to register with ETIAS. From that point on, ETIAS will be valid for three years, during which time you will be able to travel freely within the Schengen area, provided your passport is valid.

Which countries are part of ETIAS?

ETIAS will be required to travel to the 30 participating European countries (Schengen area and associated countries). The list may be updated over time, so it is advisable to always check the official list on the European Union portal before travelling.

ETIAS travel authorisation is required for visa-exempt citizens travelling to any of the 30 participating European countries. It is linked to the traveller's passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. However, if a new passport is obtained, a new authorisation will need to be applied for.

With a valid ETIAS authorisation, you can make multiple entries into participating countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, a border agent will ask you to show your passport and any other relevant documents to verify that you meet the entry requirements.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

This new electronic authorisation system has a very simple application process. Everything will be done through an official website that European agencies will make available to anyone interested in travelling to the Schengen area, without the need to go to an embassy or consulate.

The information you will need to provide on this website can be completed in a matter of minutes and, in most cases, the response will be immediate. Only in specific cases, where the system has to consult different databases, may the response to the application take up to a maximum of 30 days.

How much does ETIAS cost and how long is it valid for?

The new requirement for travelling to Europe has the following cost:

• Official fee: €20.
• Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
• Allows multiple entries.

The revenue generated by this fee will finance the entire ETIAS system. The visa waiver permit will be valid for three years, allowing stays of up to three months during that time.

Warning: unofficial websites and inflated fees

ETIAS is an official European Union procedure. Websites may appear claiming to be “official” and offering to process your application for a much higher fee.

To reduce the risks:

• Apply for ETIAS only on the official EU website.
• Be wary of advertisements promising ‘guaranteed approval’ or artificial urgency.
• Always check the domain and institutional information (logos do not equate to official status).

Is ETIAS a visa?

No. ETIAS is not a visa and does not replace a residence permit.

With ETIAS you can:

• Enter Spain and the Schengen area for tourism, business or to visit family.
• Stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

With ETIAS, you cannot:

• Work.
• Study.
• Live in Spain.

For these cases, you need a specific visa or residence permit.

Can an ETIAS application be denied?

The answer is yes, but only in very exceptional cases. According to data from the European Commission itself, most cases are expected to receive a positive response within minutes, but in some cases it may take up to 30 days.

Although most requests will be processed within minutes, if your request takes longer, you will receive a response within 4 days. Please note that this period may be extended to 14 days if additional information or documentation is requested, or to 30 days if you are called for an interview. For this reason, we recommend that you apply for ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned travel date.

Which authority will be responsible for ETIAS?

Several European authorities will be involved in the management of ETIAS:

• The ETIAS Central Unit.
• The ETIAS National Units.
• Europol.
• Eu-LISA.
• The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
• The ETIAS Management Board.
• The ETIAS Fundamental Rights Supervisory Board.

Myths and facts about ETIAS

1. ETIAS is required to travel to the Schengen countries: Visa-exempt travellers will need a valid ETIAS travel authorization to enter 30 European countries. See the complete and updated list of European countries that require ETIAS.
2. ETIAS is a new visa for nationals of 60 countries who previously did not need a visa to travel to Europe: ETIAS is not a visa. The United States, Canada and Australia require similar travel authorisations for visa-exempt nationals. Unlike visa applications, travellers will be able to apply for ETIAS online, there will be no need to visit a consulate to apply, and no biometric data will be collected as part of the application process. The ETIAS travel authorisation only allows travellers to enter and remain in the territory of European countries that require ETIAS for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). It does not grant applicants the right to study, work or remain in the territory on a long-term basis. Citizens of visa-exempt countries who plan to stay in a European country that requires ETIAS to work, study or live for a longer period will likely need a long-stay visa. More information on who must apply for ETIAS.
3. There are many websites that can be used to apply for ETIAS: There is only one official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu/etia). There are also many unofficial websites run by commercial intermediaries. Once ETIAS becomes operational in 2026, commercial intermediaries will use the official ETIAS website to submit applications on behalf of their clients. The ETIAS Regulation allows applications to be submitted on behalf of others, but beware of scammers. More information on unofficial ETIAS websites.
4. ETIAS will be valid for 5 years: ETIAS travel authorisation will be valid for 3 years or until the passport used on the application form expires, whichever comes first.
5. Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa if their ETIAS application is denied: Visa-exempt travellers cannot apply for a visa if their ETIAS is denied. Visas and ETIAS are different types of authorisation, intended for different categories of travellers. If a visa-exempt traveller does not have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, they will not be allowed to cross the external borders of European countries that require ETIAS. More information on what to do if your application is rejected.
6. Only persons aged between 18 and 70 will need to apply for ETIAS: All visa-exempt travellers, regardless of age, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation. However, applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 are exempt from paying the application fee.
7. When applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation, applicants must provide your medical information: No medical information is required when applying for ETIAS. When completing the application form, travellers will be asked to provide their personal information, including their address, passport details, current occupation and information about previous travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions. More information on what you need to apply for ETIAS.

Spain on the new map of international mobility

Spain will continue to be one of the main European destinations. ETIAS does not change that reality. What changes is the framework:

• more data,
• more control,
• more consistency between the stated intention and the actual situation.

For those who understand this transition, the system offers legal certainty. For those who ignore it, it can become a source of avoidable problems.

Frequently asked questions about ETIAS

Q: Where do I apply for ETIAS?

Exclusively through the official European Union website (when it is active).

Q: How long does it take to obtain authorisation?

Most applications are approved within minutes, although some may require additional review.

Q: Can I travel if my ETIAS application is denied?

No. If your application is denied, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa or review your specific situation.

Q: Does ETIAS guarantee entry into Spain?

No. The final decision always rests with the border authorities.

Conclusions

The most important thing to note about ETIAS is that the EU has taken an important step in the same direction as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. That is, to streamline procedures for foreign citizens through an electronic travel authorisation system, while increasing border security.

We will have to see what the results are after the first few months of implementation, but everything points to this being good news, and not just for European citizens. Citizens of the 15 Latin American countries that are part of the ETIAS group should also be celebrating. Your entry, although now requiring a small amount of paperwork, will be much safer.

ETIAS is not an obstacle. It is a sign that Europe has entered a new phase of migration management: more technological, more preventive and less improvised. Understanding this is not just a matter of travelling well informed, but of adapting to how the world moves today.

Do you have questions before travelling to Spain?

If you are travelling for less than 90 days and have questions about your eligibility, background, previous denials or possible incidents, a preliminary review can save you problems at the border.

If your goal is to live, work, or study in Spain, the most important thing is to choose the right route (residence/visa) from the outset. In that case, consult our guides on residence and long-term permits.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised legal advice. Each immigration situation requires specific analysis.