With the Entry/Exit System fully operational since April 2026, the next step in the EU's new border management is ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. According to the EU, ETIAS is scheduled to start operating in the last quarter of 2026.
Who will need ETIAS?
ETIAS is for nationals of the roughly 60 countries whose citizens can visit Europe without a visa — for example the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. Once ETIAS is in operation, these travellers will need an approved authorisation before a short stay in any of 30 European countries: the 29 Schengen countries plus Cyprus.
Who will not need it?
- citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland,
- holders of a residence permit or residence card issued by one of the ETIAS countries,
- holders of a long-stay (D-type) national visa,
- travellers who need a Schengen visa — they continue to apply for a visa instead.
If you live in Poland with a residence card or national visa, you will not need ETIAS — but visiting friends and relatives from visa-exempt countries will.
Cost, validity and processing
- Fee: EUR 20, with applicants under 18 and over 70 exempt.
- Validity: three years, or until the passport used for the application expires — whichever comes first.
- Application: online, through the official website or mobile app.
- Processing: most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, but some can take up to four days — or up to 30 days if additional information or an interview is requested.
The EU plans transitional and grace periods after launch, so that travellers have time to adjust.
Watch out for fake websites
Apply only through the official EU website (travel-europe.europa.eu) or the official app. Unofficial sites often charge extra "service fees" for the same application.
Planning a family visit?
ETIAS, EES and the Schengen 90/180-day rule all affect how often relatives can visit you. Contact us and we will help you plan visits that stay within the rules.