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ETIAS still has no start date: what the EU's official site says in October 2026

The EU's official ETIAS site says the system is not in operation, no applications are collected and the start date will be announced several months ahead. Here is what will apply once it starts, and the EU's warning about intermediary websites.

By Beyond Borders Editorial Team

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Key points

  • The EU's official ETIAS FAQ says ETIAS is not in operation, no applications are being collected and no action is required from travellers now.
  • The EU says it will announce the specific start date several months before launch.
  • Once ETIAS starts, it will apply to non-EU nationals of visa-exempt countries for short stays. It is linked to one passport and is valid for three years or until that passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • The official fee will be EUR 20. The EU says other websites offering ETIAS applications are intermediaries that may charge extra.

Not in operation yet

The EU’s official ETIAS FAQ says the European Travel Information and Authorisation System “is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point”. It adds that “no action is required from travellers at this point”. The EU “will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.”

What will apply once it starts

According to the same FAQ:

  • Who: in general, non-EU nationals of countries whose citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the European countries requiring ETIAS. People with certain EU residence cards or residence permits do not need it.
  • Stay: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS does not allow long-term study or work.
  • Linked to one passport: ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new ETIAS. Each person, including each child, needs their own.
  • Multiple nationalities: a national of a European country requiring ETIAS (or of Ireland) does not need ETIAS, but must use that country’s travel document to enter.
  • Fee: EUR 20. Applicants under 18 or over 70, and qualifying family members of EU nationals, do not pay it. The fee is non-refundable.
  • Entry: ETIAS does not guarantee admission. Border guards make the final decision.

Watch for unofficial websites

The EU says its site, and the official app once launched, is the only official way to apply directly. Other websites offering ETIAS are intermediaries that “may also require you to pay additional fees”. The EU advises care over “whom you make payments to or share your personal data with”. Since no applications are being collected yet, any website taking ETIAS payments today is not the EU system.

What this does not mean

Nothing needs to be done now. This piece is not a forecast of the launch date, and it is not legal, tax or immigration advice.

What this does not mean

  • It does not mean anyone needs to apply or pay anything now; the EU says no applications are being collected.
  • It does not mean holding ETIAS guarantees entry; the EU says border guards make the final decision.
  • It is not a forecast of the launch date.

Government-published fees

Set by the government and subject to change. Not a Beyond Borders quote.

ETIAS application fee once the system starts, as stated on the official EU ETIAS websiteEUR 20Official source · checked 21 Oct 2026

Official sources

  1. European Union — Travel to Europe (official EES/ETIAS website)

    ETIAS — Frequently asked questions
    VerifiedEU / intergovernmentalaccessed 21 Oct 2026

Evidence labels: Verified — we checked this against the official source; Reported — from a named press report, not an official statement; Analysis — our reading of the sources.

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