ETIAS Explained: Europe's Upcoming Entry Rules for Travelers
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Planning a trip to Europe? New entry requirements are coming, and travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other visa-exempt countries need to understand ETIAS before their next European vacation or cruise. In this video, we explain the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), including who needs it, the €20 application fee, how long it lasts, and the steps to apply online. We'll cover: - What ETIAS is and why Europe is introducing it - Which travelers will need authorization - The €20 fee and who qualifies for an exemption - How to apply through the official ETIAS website - What information you'll need for your application - How approvals, refusals, and appeals work - The difference between ETIAS and the UK's separate ETA requirement **IMPORTANT:** As of this video's recording in October 2026, ETIAS has not launched. The EU has announced a late-2026 target, but implementation dates may change. Always verify the latest requirements before traveling. **Official ETIAS website:** https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias ETIAS is not a visa, and an approved travel authorization does not guarantee admission at the border. Most applications are expected to be processed quickly, but some may require additional review. Apply well ahead of your trip rather than relying on a last-minute approval. **Traveling through the United Kingdom?** The UK has a separate Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Requirements for airport connections depend on whether you pass through UK border control. Official UK ETA information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta We're Jan and Tracey, and we share cruise reviews, ship tours, destination guides, and practical travel advice based on our experiences exploring the world. Subscribe to Join the Journey for more cruise and travel information. Until the next horizon, keep on traveling! #ETIAS #EuropeTravel #TravelTips Chapters 00:00 Europe's changing entry requirements 00:24 What is ETIAS? 01:07 Who needs ETIAS? 01:34 How long is ETIAS valid? 01:47 ETIAS cost and fee exemptions 02:16 When should you apply? 02:40 Step 1: Official ETIAS website 03:12 Step 2: Personal and passport details 03:34 Travel plans and Schengen countries 04:00 Step 3: Security and background questions 04:29 Step 4: Review and pay 04:49 Application confirmation and approval 05:29 What happens if you're refused? 05:49 Traveling with your ETIAS authorization 06:09 When will ETIAS launch? 06:49 UK ETA: A separate requirement 07:22 Until the next horizon Our Recommended Cruise Gear OREI American to European Plug Adapters—Many cruise ships are equipped with 220 European plugs, which are useless unless you have the correct adapter. These are the essentials we pack in our bags every time we cruise or travel to Europe. They come in an affordable six-pack which you can find at this link: https://amzn.to/44ixS0U Strongman Tools Strong Magnetic Hooks—A couple of these 6-pack sets of hooks are always with us when we cruise. Each individual hook can hold up to 30 lbs of weight and is ideal for hanging coats, hats, and the shelves described below. Get your set of these useful magnetic hooks at this link: https://amzn.to/3UDrVbJ Whitmor 5 Section Closet Organizer—Unfortunately, drawer and shelf space are sometimes limited in some cruise cabins. That’s why we always bring at least one of these inexpensive closet organizers, which gives us plenty of room for our folded clothes. We typically use a couple of magnetic hooks, as described above, to hang these from the ceiling in the corner of our room. Here’s the link where you can get yours: https://amzn.to/3w3GvQn Our Recommended Camera Gear DJI Osmo Pocket 3--You’ll usually see Tracey using this in almost all of our videos. Love this wonderful, small, and versatile camera. Basic Camera: https://amzn.to/3UDJJDF Creators Combo: https://amzn.to/4beP6OP GoPro Hero12—This is the best action camera we’ve ever used. Whether taking videos on the Zodiacs in Antarctica, snorkeling in Papua New Guinea, or scuba diving in Bonaire, this camera is always in our hands. Find the link to get yours here: https://amzn.to/3UkTcy1 Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap—If you still carry a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, as Jan does, this is the perfect strap to use. What's great is that this fully adjustable strap can be configured to be worn across your body, distributing the weight of your camera across your back rather than your neck. Additionally, it provides a bit more security when traveling through high-risk pickpocket areas. Get your Slide Lite Strap here: https://amzn.to/3xW6pWR As Amazon Affiliates, we earn from qualifying purchases.