ETIAS country list: what expats and travelers need to know

Travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States and Canada, will need ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area and other ETIAS countries from 2026.

ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-travel screening system for short stays in most European countries.

This article covers:

Which countries do not need ETIAS?
How does ETIAS differ from visas?
Why is ETIAS being implemented?
How much does an ETIAS application cost?
Which countries are on the waiting list to join the EU?

Key Takeaways:

ETIAS is required for all travelers from visa-exempt countries entering the Schengen area.
Non-ETIAS countries, including the UK and Ireland, have separate entry rules.
The program improves border security, risk screening and streamlined travel.
ETIAS costs €20, is usually valid for three years and does not replace a visa for travelers who already need one.

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The information in this article is intended as general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or invitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What does ETIAS stand for?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System.

It is a digital authorization for short visits (up to 90 days) to the Schengen area, designed to pre-screen travelers from visa-free countries before arrival.

Are a visa and ETIAS the same?

ETIAS is not a visa. Unlike a visa, a formal entry permit that requires detailed documentation and longer processing times, ETIAS is an advance travel authorization for short visits by travelers from visa-exempt countries.

It improves border security but does not allow work, long-term stays or residency.

Which countries require an ETIAS visa?

ETIAS is required to enter Schengen countries such as France and Germany, along with all other jurisdictions that use the system for border control.

Travelers with an approved ETIAS can enter any participating country for short stays of up to 90 days.

Countries that require ETIAS:

Core countries of the Schengen area:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Non-Schengen EU country participating in ETIAS:

Schengen associated countries requiring ETIAS:

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

Countries outside the EU that accept ETIAS:
Certain microstates without independent border control allow entry with ETIAS once the Schengen border is cleared:

Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

ETIAS provides pre-screening of travelers from visa-exempt countries, increasing security while enabling easy short-term travel across Europe and associated territories.

Can I travel to Europe without ETIAS?

ETIAS countries — *_{^{Photo by Lara Jameson on Pexels}}*

No, if you come from a visa-free country, from 2026 you will not be able to enter the Schengen countries without ETIAS.

However, travelers from non-visa exempt countries or travelers visiting non-Schengen EU countries such as Ireland or the United Kingdom can still use standard visas or travel documents.

Failure to obtain ETIAS when required may result in denied boarding or entry.

Travelers from one of these visa exempt countries and territories are required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization:

Which countries do not need ETIAS?

Countries that do not require ETIAS include Schengen member states such as Germany and France, as well as associated countries such as Norway and Switzerland.

Travelers from these countries can move freely through the Schengen zone using a passport or national identity card.

For clarity, the following table lists which travelers require ETIAS, which are exempt, and which require a standard visa:

Country/region	ETIAS required?	Visa required?
Schengen Member States (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)	No	No (citizens travel freely with passport or ID)
Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland)	No	No (citizens travel freely with passport or ID)
Non-Schengen EU countries (Ireland)	No	Yes (follow Ireland’s standard visa or entry rules)
Non-Schengen countries in Europe (UK)	No	Yes (standard UK visa or travel authorization)
Visa-exempt countries visiting Schengen (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.)	Yes	No (ETIAS is required for short stays for visa-exempt travelers)
Countries requiring a visa for Schengen (India, China, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Philippines, etc.)	No	Yes (must apply for a standard Schengen visa)