Photo © Martin Puddy / Stone - Getty Images

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) explained

Travelers heading to Europe should read up on this well before they go.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

If you’re heading to Europe next year, you should take the time to read up on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The new visa-waiver style authorization system will apply to residents from 59 countries who have previously been able to cross the border visa-free, when the program launches in 2024.  

It was designed by the EU to address terrorism and migration issues, tightening up borders and working to make travel within the member countries safer.

What is the ETIAS and how does it work?  

ETIAS is a fully electronic process that allows and keeps track of visitors from those countries who aren’t required to have a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. The system, which is similar to the one used in the United States, ESTA, is expected to be fully operational some time in 2024, although an official start date has not yet been named. The visa-waiver, if given, will be valid for three years. Travelers will be asked to apply online, then each applicant will undergo a detailed security check to determine their status for entry into any of the Schengen Zone countries. Passport holders of 59 countries who can currently travel visa-free, will need to apply for the ETIAS.

ETIAS works to identify any security threats via the system which will gather information, track and update data relating to a specific visitor to determine their suitability for entry in the EU.

Other benefits of the system? 

Along with decreasing security concerns and detecting potential threats, it is expected that the new ETIAS will also help:

  • ​​Reduce procedures and application times

  • Improve the management of EU country borders

  • Assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism

  • Impede irregular migration

  • Reinforce the visa liberalisation policy of the EU

ETIAS countries – if you’re heading to these countries, or travelling through them, make sure you’ve got your ETIAS visa

The European countries that will require travellers to hold a valid ETIAS upon arrival at their borders are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.



Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Got into an accident?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need medication?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Need to get to a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport stolen?
  • Luggage lost?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.