ETIAS travel authorization

New travel requirement for Europe expected in 2026

If you’re planning an EF Adventure in Europe in the next few years, you may have heard about a new entry requirement on the horizon. Currently stated to start the last quarter of 2026, many travelers—including U.S. and Canadian passport holders—will need to apply for what’s called an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before departure.

What is ETIAS?
It’s not a visa, but a short online travel authorization being introduced by the European Union to strengthen border security. Once it goes into effect, travelers from more than 60 visa-exempt countries will need to complete the ETIAS form before visiting any of the 30 participating European nations.

If you’ve visited Europe before without needing additional paperwork, this is new—but the good news is that the process is expected to be straightforward and digital. You'll fill out basic personal information, share your passport details, and confirm your travel plans. The application will cost €7 for travelers ages 18–70 and will be free for travelers under 18 or over 70. Once approved, the ETIAS will remain valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

A few quick things to know:

• You only need to apply once, even if visiting multiple countries with this requirement.
• Most applications will be processed within four days.
• Your ETIAS approval will be linked electronically to your passport—no physical documents required.

EF Adventures travelers are responsible for securing their own ETIAS once it becomes available. We’ll continue to keep you updated in your My Account and mobile app as more information is released. You can also check the official EU ETIAS site for the latest details.

Traveling to the United Kingdom?
That’s a separate process! For trips to the UK, refer to information about the UK ETA here.

Have questions about how this might affect your trip? Reach out—we’re here to help.

Which countries require ETIAS travel authorization?

The following list only includes destinations that EF Adventures travels to. When determining if you require ETIAS approval, please also consider any countries you may be visiting independently before or after your tour. ETIAS isn't required if you have a layover in a country requiring ETIAS approval, as long as you remain in the international transit area of the airport.