No. The official EU ETIAS website states that ETIAS is not in operation and no travel authorisation applications are being collected. The EU will announce the launch date several months in advance, after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully rolled out. Until then, nobody can legitimately sell you an ETIAS.

How much does ETIAS cost?

The European Commission confirmed in July 2025 that ETIAS will cost €20, replacing the originally planned €7 fee. It is a one-off charge per application, paid on the official EU website or official app. Applicants under 18 or aged 70 and over do not pay the fee but still need an authorisation.

Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Visa-exempt non-EU nationals — including UK, US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and Brazilian passport holders — will need ETIAS for short stays in the 30 European countries that use the system. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need one. Travellers who already require a Schengen visa apply for that visa instead.

Does ETIAS replace the 90/180 rule?

No. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation check; the 90/180 short-stay limit still applies separately, and the Entry/Exit System records your border crossings. You can track your days with the free TRAVELYTES™ Schengen 90/180 calculator.

How do I spot a fake ETIAS website?

Official ETIAS information only appears on europa.eu addresses — the official site is travel-europe.europa.eu. Copycat sites use domains such as “etias-apply”, “etias-official” or “etias visa service”, charge well above €20, take applications while the system is not live, and ask for payment by card on unofficial checkout pages. Use the scam checker on this page before entering any personal data.

What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?

EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated border system that registers non-EU travellers’ entries, exits, fingerprints and facial images at the border — there is nothing to apply for and no fee. ETIAS is a separate, paid online travel authorisation you obtain before you travel once the system launches.

Do children need an ETIAS?

Yes. Every visa-exempt traveller needs their own ETIAS travel authorisation, including children, but applicants under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee.

What makes TRAVELYTES™ different from regular electrolyte drinks?

TRAVELYTES™ is a specialist electrolyte brand positioned for aviation and maritime travel routines rather than gym recovery.

What electrolytes are suitable for long-haul flights?

Travelers often look for lightweight powder sachets that fit easily into hand luggage and can be mixed with water during the journey.

Are TRAVELYTES™ products safe to take on flights?

Yes. Powder sachets are generally easy to carry through airport security and can be mixed after screening.

Do you offer white-label electrolyte solutions?

Yes. TRAVELYTES™ offers white-label and wholesale options for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, retailers, and corporate clients.

Are TRAVELYTES™ suitable for all travelers?

The range includes travel-focused options, but customers should always review ingredients and choose the product that suits their needs. Consult a healthcare professional if you have a medical condition.

Can TRAVELYTES™ provide branded hydration for tradeshows and events?

Yes. TRAVELYTES™ offers custom-branded sachets for events, conferences, and promotional campaigns.

Does TRAVELYTES™ offer military and defense hydration solutions?

Yes. TRAVELYTES™ offers project-based hydration solutions for defense, operational, and specialist-use inquiries.

Free travel tool

ETIAS eligibility checker

Q: Which countries require ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to 30 European countries: the Schengen states plus Cyprus. That includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Cyprus.

Q: How long is an ETIAS valid for?

Up to 3 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It permits short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It does not increase the 90/180 allowance, so you still need to track your days.

Find out whether you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for Europe, what it actually costs, and whether the website asking for your money is the real one. Facts on this page were last checked against official EU sources on 26 August 2026.

ETIAS is not in operation yet

The official EU ETIAS website states that ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are being collected. The European Union will announce the exact start date several months before launch. Any website taking ETIAS applications or payments today is not the official system.

ETIAS eligibility checker

Passport nationality

Your age (optional)

Used to check the fee exemption for under-18s and 70+.

Planned days in Europe (optional)

I plan to work, study or live there

Long stays need a national visa or permit instead of ETIAS.

Select your passport nationality to see whether ETIAS will apply to your trip.

ETIAS scam site checker

Paste the address of any site claiming to sell or process an ETIAS. We check it against the official EU domains and flag the patterns used by commercial copycat sites.

Website address

Red flags of a fake ETIAS site

Charges more than €20 — the EU fee is one-off and fixed.
Takes ETIAS applications or payments while the system is not in operation.
Uses a domain like “etias-apply”, “etias-official” or “etias visa service” instead of europa.eu.
Adds a “processing”, “handling” or “premium review” fee on top of the EU fee.
Sends unsolicited emails or ads warning that your ETIAS is “expiring” or “required now”.
Asks for passport scans, card details or a subscription before the EU has even launched applications.

Official EU domains: travel-europe.europa.eu, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, ec.europa.eu, europa.eu. The official ETIAS website is travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.

ETIAS at a glance

€20

The European Commission confirmed on 17 July 2025 that the ETIAS fee will be €20 (up from the originally planned €7). The fee is paid once per application, directly on the official EU website or official app.

3 years

An approved ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires — whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period; it does not extend the 90/180 limit.

30 countries

ETIAS will apply to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Cyprus.

Applicants under 18 or aged 70 and over on the day of application do not pay the fee, but they still need an ETIAS travel authorisation.

ETIAS FAQs

Sources: the official EU ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu) and the European Commission fee announcement. Last verified 26 August 2026.

Plan the rest of your trip

Track your short-stay days with the Schengen 90/180 calculator.
Confirm your passport meets EU entry rules with the passport validity checker.
Read the 90/180 rule explained and the flight hydration guide.

Travelling soon? Meet the range.

TRAVELYTES™ electrolyte sticks are built for the journeys you just planned.

ETIAS eligibility checker

ETIAS is not in operation yet

ETIAS eligibility checker

ETIAS scam site checker

Red flags of a fake ETIAS site

ETIAS at a glance

ETIAS FAQs

Is ETIAS live yet?

How much does ETIAS cost?

Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Which countries require ETIAS?

How long is an ETIAS valid for?

Does ETIAS replace the 90/180 rule?

How do I spot a fake ETIAS website?

What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?

Do children need an ETIAS?

Plan the rest of your trip

Travelling soon? Meet the range.

Further reading from Simon Calder (The Independent)

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