US Joins Canada, Japan, Brazil, and Sixty Other Countries To Apply for ETIAS to Enter Europe Starting in 2026—Here’s How It Will Affect Travelers

Published on December 8, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In an effort to strengthen border security and streamline immigration management, the European Union (EU) has introduced the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will soon be mandatory for citizens of around 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Set to take effect by the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization (ETA), designed to enhance safety by pre-screening travelers before they arrive at Europe’s borders.

For travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil, this new system marks a significant shift in the way they enter Europe. While ETIAS is set to become mandatory by 2026, it’s important to understand what it is, why it’s being implemented, how it will affect travel, and what you need to do to be ready for this change.

What is ETIAS and Why Is It Being Introduced?

ETIAS is a mandatory pre-travel authorization system that will apply to citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to travel to the Schengen Area, which includes 27 EU countries and several non-EU members. The system aims to enhance security and address potential threats by screening travelers before they even board their flights. It will help prevent individuals who may pose security risks from entering the Schengen Area, improve management of illegal migration, and streamline the travel process for legitimate tourists and business travelers.

The ETIAS application process will gather basic information about travelers, including their passport details and travel plans, and run background checks against various security databases. The EU has stressed that ETIAS is not a visa; it is an electronic authorization to allow travelers to enter European borders.

Who Needs ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to citizens from approximately 60 countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area. These travelers will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before they board their flight to Europe.

Among the affected countries are major global travel origins like the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Brazil. Additionally, many countries in Asia, South America, and Europe will be impacted by the new regulation. Here’s a breakdown of the key regions and countries affected by ETIAS:

North America

• United States (US)
• Canada

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

Asia

• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• Malaysia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

South America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Peru

Europe (Non-EU/Non-Schengen)

• United Kingdom (UK) (Note: The UK will not participate in ETIAS as it is not part of the Schengen Area)
• Ukraine

In addition to the countries listed above, citizens from nations like Israel, Mexico, and several Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas and Barbados, will also be required to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Europe.

Which European Countries Will Require ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to all 30 European countries that participate in the Schengen Area, which includes most EU member states and a few non-EU countries. These countries are part of a passport-free zone where citizens of participating countries can travel freely across borders without requiring customs checks.

Here’s a breakdown of the countries where ETIAS will be mandatory:

Schengen Area Members (27 Countries)

• Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

EU Members Not Yet Fully in Schengen (3 Countries)

• Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania (These countries are legally obliged to join the Schengen Area in the future)

Non-EU/Non-Schengen

• United Kingdom (UK) will not be participating in the ETIAS system due to its opt-out from the Schengen Area.

Note- Ireland is the only European Union member state that will not participate in the ETIAS system due to its opt-out from the Schengen Area and its separate Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement with the UK.

Thus, ETIAS will be required for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to most EU countries, as well as the Schengen Area nations.

When Does ETIAS Become Mandatory?

ETIAS is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026. However, travelers should begin familiarizing themselves with the application process well ahead of time to ensure they comply with the new rules once they are in place.

The online application process for ETIAS will be straightforward, requiring travelers to fill out basic personal and travel information, including passport details. While most applications will be processed and approved in a matter of minutes, travelers are advised to apply as early as possible before their intended travel date to avoid any last-minute complications.

How Will ETIAS Impact Travelers?

For citizens of affected countries, the introduction of ETIAS will mark a change in the way they travel to Europe. Although it is not a visa, it will be required for entry into most European countries. The key differences travelers should be aware of are:

1. It’s Not a Visa: ETIAS is an electronic authorization, not a visa. It simply allows travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter the Schengen Area after undergoing background checks.
2. Pre-Screening: The application will include basic security checks to ensure the traveler does not pose a risk to public security or immigration control.
3. Cost: The ETIAS application will cost €7 (or possibly €20, depending on the final EU announcement).
4. Validity: Once approved, ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first. This means travelers will not need to reapply for ETIAS each time they visit Europe within the validity period.
5. Access to All Schengen Countries: A single ETIAS will allow travelers to visit all 30 Schengen Area countries, covering short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
6. Final Entry Decision: Although ETIAS approval will allow travelers to board their flight, final entry decisions will still be made by border control officers at the destination country.

What is the Process for Applying for ETIAS?

The ETIAS application process will be conducted online, making it convenient for travelers to submit their information in advance. The application will require basic details, such as:

• Personal information (name, nationality, date of birth, etc.)
• Passport details (passport number, expiry date, issuing country)
• Travel plans (intended destination, travel dates)
• Security-related questions (e.g., criminal record, previous travel restrictions)

The application will be processed against several security databases, such as Europol and Interpol, to check for potential security risks. Most applications will be processed within minutes, but travelers are encouraged to apply at least 72 hours in advance of their travel date.

Once the application is approved, travelers will receive their ETIAS authorization electronically, which they must keep with them during their trip. If the application is denied, travelers will have the option to appeal the decision or apply for a traditional visa.

How Will ETIAS Improve Security in Europe?

The primary purpose of ETIAS is to improve security and migration management within the Schengen Area. The system will:

1. Enhance Border Security: By pre-screening travelers before they arrive at European borders, ETIAS allows authorities to identify potential security risks before they can enter the country.
2. Prevent Illegal Immigration: By gathering data in advance, ETIAS helps identify individuals who may be attempting to travel to Europe for illegal reasons or to overstay their allowed time.
3. Combat Terrorism and Crime: The EU is using ETIAS to bolster its efforts to fight terrorism, organized crime, and other illegal activities by screening travelers from visa-exempt countries.
4. Streamline Travel: For travelers who pass the security checks, ETIAS makes the process of entering Europe more streamlined and efficient, helping to reduce delays at the border.

How Does ETIAS Compare to Other Travel Authorization Systems?

ETIAS is similar to other travel authorization systems used by countries like the United States. For example, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for travelers from visa-waiver countries to enter the US. Like ETIAS, ESTA is not a visa, but rather a pre-screening process designed to protect national security.

While ETIAS will be required for travelers entering the Schengen Area, the UK and Ireland have opted out of the system, meaning that travelers will need to follow separate entry procedures for those countries.

Key Takeaways for Travelers:

• ETIAS will be required for citizens of 60+ visa-exempt countries to enter Europe starting in late 2026.
• The application process is simple and online.
• ETIAS will cost €7 (or €20) and be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
• A single ETIAS allows access to all 30 Schengen Area countries for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Travelers will still undergo final entry checks at the border, even if they have ETIAS approval.

Will You Be Ready for ETIAS?

With just a few years left before ETIAS becomes mandatory, now is the time for travelers from the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and other affected countries to start preparing. ETIAS will not only simplify border entry for legitimate travelers but also provide greater security for European nations. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and apply for your ETIAS when it becomes available to ensure a smooth and seamless travel experience in 2026 and beyond.