Europe Introduces Electronic Visa - ETIAS

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting from 2024, travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including Australia & New Zealand) are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport.

It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. 

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, however, it does not guarantee entry. Most applications are processed within minutes. It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days.

Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview.

As a result, you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.

Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first. It is for short-term stays.

You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.

Refer to https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for further information.