Visa

ETIAS: what visa-exempt travellers should know before the late-2026 start

FlightProof · 2026-09-12

📌 What this means for you: The EU still expects the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to start in the last quarter of 2026, though no exact date has been announced and applications are not open yet. When it does start, visa-exempt travellers will apply online, pay a EUR 20 fee, and receive an authorisation valid for three years (with exemptions for minors, seniors, and family members of EU citizens). Important: ETIAS does not replace the onward-ticket check. Airlines and border officers will still ask how and when you leave Schengen, so hold a confirmed onward or return booking regardless of your authorisation.

✅ Get protected on your next trip.

Get a reservation-style onward-travel itinerary delivered to your email in under 1 minute. We provide no guarantee that it is an active, confirmed, or airline-verifiable booking.

🎫 Get your onward ticket — the lowest price for your route

💡 Tip: Keep a copy of your itinerary handy at check-in and at immigration counters to show your onward travel plans.