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ETIAS requirement for European road trips
From late 2026, the ETIAS requirement for road trips in Europe will be a reality. It will be mandatory for travellers from outside the EU. This new travel authorisation is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to visit the Schengen area visa-free, even if you are travelling by car, campervan, or train. Good preparation prevents unpleasant surprises at the border. Read on to discover exactly what this means for your travel plans.
What is ETIAS and when do you need it?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is not a visa, but a digital travel authorisation for citizens of countries who do not require a visa for a short stay in the Schengen area. The system is designed to enhance security within Europe by pre-screening travellers. Implementation is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. From that point on, as a non-EU citizen from one of the affected countries, you must be in possession of a valid ETIAS authorisation before commencing your journey.
The regulation applies to travel to 30 European countries, including all Schengen area member states plus Cyprus. Whether you arrive by plane or cross the border by car, the requirement remains the same. The authorisation is intended for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
‘ A smooth journey therefore begins with a timely and correct ETIAS application. ’
The ETIAS application for your car holiday or train journey
Applying for ETIAS is an online process that you complete yourself via the official website of the European Union. The procedure is relatively straightforward and usually takes no more than twenty minutes. Make sure you have the following ready:
- A valid passport that is still valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- A payment method, such as a credit card or debit card, for the application fee.
- Your personal details and travel details, including the country where you will first enter the Schengen area.
The cost for an ETIAS application is €7. For travellers under 18 or over 70, the application is free of charge. After approval, the travel authorisation is valid for three years, or until the expiry date of your passport if that is sooner. Approval is granted within minutes in most cases, but in exceptional situations, it may take several days if a manual check is required.
Practical considerations for overland travellers
If you are planning a road trip, it is important to know that transport companies, such as international bus operators, are obliged to check if you have a valid ETIAS authorisation before you board. If you are travelling in your own car or campervan, checks will take place on a random basis at border crossings. The ETIAS system is linked to the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which registers biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial scan upon your first entry into the Schengen area. This is done via automated kiosks at the border. A smooth journey therefore begins with a timely and correct ETIAS application.
Avoid problems: tips for a carefree preparation
Good planning is the foundation of a successful trip. Follow these steps to ensure the ETIAS requirement does not pose an obstacle:
- Apply in good time: Submit the application well before you book your trip, ideally several weeks in advance. Although processing is fast, this gives you ample time in case additional checks are required.
- Use the correct passport: The ETIAS authorisation is digitally linked to the passport you used for the application. If you travel with a different passport, your authorisation will be invalid.
- Check your details: Errors in your personal data can lead to a rejection or delay. Take your time to fill in everything correctly.
- Keep your reference number: After applying, you will receive a unique reference number. Keep this number safe for any enquiries about your status.
Not having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation can lead to refusal of boarding the transport or entry at the border. Any costs incurred as a result will be at your own expense. A small effort beforehand will save you a lot of inconvenience on your journey.
The introduction of ETIAS is one of many aspects of a well-prepared trip to Europe. On the Traveler Tips website, you will find much more practical information about planning your ideal road trip, from the most beautiful routes and destinations to local regulations and the necessary equipment. Discover how you can travel smarter and more consciously and make your next holiday an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a digital travel authorisation that will become mandatory from the last quarter of 2026 for non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen area, including road trips across national borders. It is not a visa, but similar to ESTA in the USA, and serves to enhance security. Citizens from 59 visa-exempt countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, will need ETIAS for a European road trip in 2026. An application costs €7 and is valid for three years, or until the passport expires.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be mandatory from the last quarter of 2026 for non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries visiting the Schengen area, including road trips across national borders. It is not a visa, but a digital pre-authorisation linked to your passport and valid for 3 years. For road trips with your own car or campervan, border guards will randomly check your ETIAS status. For bus travel, carriers must check this beforehand. Plan your application well in advance, at least 96 hours before, to avoid delays.
To ensure your road trip runs smoothly, it is best to apply for ETIAS well before departure, ideally several weeks in advance, via the official ETIAS website (europa.eu/etias). The application takes 10-20 minutes and costs €7, and you will need a valid passport and a payment method. ETIAS will be mandatory from the last quarter of 2026 for non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries for short stays in the Schengen area. Please note that approval usually takes a few minutes, but can sometimes take up to several days.
An ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, and is linked to your passport. For your road trip, this means you should submit the application well before departure, ideally weeks in advance, and use the same passport as the one used for the application. Carriers will check your ETIAS status for cross-border journeys, so ensure this is arranged to prevent delays or refusal. Plan your route carefully with the 90/180-day rule in mind and check local regulations, as there may be regional variations in the phased implementation.
Important considerations and common mistakes regarding ETIAS for road trippers include travelling without an approved ETIAS, which can lead to denied entry. Another common mistake is not updating the ETIAS with a new passport. It is crucial to apply for ETIAS well in advance (at least 96 hours, ideally weeks) and ensure that the passport used for the application is the same as the one used for travel. Plan your route carefully with a Schengen calculator to comply with the 90/180-day rule.
