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Europe

ETIAS VISA EUROPE

ETIAS launch date

Do Australian citizens need to obtain an ETIAS authorization to travel to Europe?

Yes. Australian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Even though Australia offers a visa waiver for stays of less than 90 days, the ETIAS system will become a mandatory pre-travel requirement, similar to the eVisitor or ETA system that Australia itself uses for foreign visitors. It will enable European authorities to screen travelers to enhance security while maintaining a simple and fully digital process.

What exactly is the ETIAS system?

The ETIAS system is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization linked to the traveler’s passport. It will be required for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, business, family, or transit purposes. Once granted, the authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the Australian passport expires. See our page on the validity period of the ETIAS authorization for more details.

Australia and similar systems: Australia itself is one of the pioneers of electronic travel authorization systems—the eVisitor system and the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) system have been in place since 1996 for visitors wishing to enter Australia. Australian travelers are therefore already familiar with the concept of obtaining an online authorization prior to travel.

Do Australians need a Schengen visa in addition to the ETIAS system?

No. Australian citizens will continue to be exempt from visa requirements for short stays. The ETIAS system is simply a mandatory security requirement that must be completed before departure. Visit our page on the differences between the ETIAS system and the Schengen visa to learn more.

However, a Schengen visa is still required to study in Europe, work in a Schengen Area country, or stay for more than 90 days.

How do Australian citizens obtain the ETIAS system?

1
Log in to the official website
Visit the European Union’s official ETIAS website. Be wary of unofficial websites that are already accepting applications.
2
Fill out the online form
Fill out the ETIAS form online with your personal information, passport details, and answers to the security questions. PDF forms are not accepted.
3
Pay fees
Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The system is free for those under 18 and over 70.
4
Receive confirmation
In most cases, the response is sent by email within a few minutes. The maximum response time is 96 hours. It is recommended that you submit your request at least 4 to 5 days before departure.
5
Travelling with a valid biometric passport
Present the valid biometric Australian passport used for the application when checking in. The ETIAS system is electronically linked to this document—there is no need toprint it.

Which European countries will require Australians to use the ETIAS system?

The ETIAS system is required for entry into the 30 countries of the Schengen Area and equivalent countries:

FR ETIAS France IT ETIAS Italy ES ETIAS Spain FROM ETIAS Germany NL ETIAS Netherlands BE ETIAS Belgium PT ETIAS Portugal GR ETIAS Greece PL ETIAS Poland SE ETIAS Sweden NO ETIAS Norway → All countries

Frequently Asked Questions — ETIAS Authorization for Australians

Is the ETIAS system required for a two-week vacation in Europe?

Yes. Any entry into the Schengen Area will require an ETIAS authorization, regardless of the length of stay.

Do I need to make a separate application for each country I visit?

No. The ETIAS system applies to all Schengen Area countries, as long as the total duration of stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. See the rules for obtaining an ETIAS authorization.

Does an Australian child need his or her own ETIAS authorization?

Yes. Every traveler, including children, must have their own authorization. Those under 18 are exempt from fees. Please see our page on the ETIAS system for minors.

Can you work in Europe with an ETIAS authorization?

No. The ETIAS system applies only to short-term, non-profit stays. To work or study, a national visa is required.

What should you do if your ETIAS application is denied?

You will receive an email explaining the reasons for the denial. You may appeal the decision. Please see our page on ETIAS authorization denials.