If you’re a U.S. citizen or a traveler from a visa-exempt country, the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be a required travel authorization for entry into 30 European countries.
Here’s the official and most updated list of countries that will require an ETIAS authorization once the system becomes fully operational (currently expected in 2026)
Schengen Member States (26 countries)
These countries are part of the Schengen Area and will require ETIAS for short-term stays:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia (joined Schengen in 2023)
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
EU Members Outside Schengen (But Still ETIAS-Required)
These countries are not part of the Schengen Area yet, but ETIAS will still be required to enter them:
- Bulgaria (EU member, not fully Schengen-integrated)
- Cyprus (Not in Schengen but participates in ETIAS)
- Romania (Partial Schengen access via air and sea)
- Switzerland (Not an EU member, but part of Schengen)
What About Ireland?
Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area and does NOT participate in the ETIAS system. If you’re traveling to Ireland, you must follow its independent visa and entry requirements.
If you plan to travel to any of the 30 countries above, you will need to apply for ETIAS before your trip. ETIAS will grant 90 days of travel within any 180-day period, and it will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Always check the latest status of your destination before traveling, as rules may be updated by the European Commission.
Leave a Reply