Europe is bringing in a new travel authorisation called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Once it starts, Australians will need an approved ETIAS before visiting most European countries for a short stay.
When does ETIAS start?
The European Union has said ETIAS is expected to start operating in late 2026, and that it will announce the exact start date several months before launch. At the time of writing, no exact date has been confirmed. You don't need to do anything yet, and you can't apply yet. Be wary of any website offering to sell you an ETIAS before the official system opens.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is not a visa. It's a short online pre-travel check, similar to the US ESTA, linked to your passport. Without one, airlines may refuse to let you board once ETIAS is in force.
- Where: around 30 European countries, including most of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
- How long you can stay: up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- How long it lasts: up to three years, or until your passport expires
- Cost: the planned official fee is €20. Travellers under 18 or over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee but still need an ETIAS
What about the UK?
The UK is not part of ETIAS. Australians visiting the UK need a separate UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is already in place. Read about the UK ETA.
How MyVisaMate will help
Once ETIAS opens, we'll help Australians prepare, check and submit their application, just like our other documents. Sign up for travel rule updates at the bottom of this page and we'll email you when the launch date is confirmed.
MyVisaMate is a private company, not a government agency. Once ETIAS opens, you'll be able to apply directly on the official EU ETIAS website. The details on this page are based on official EU announcements and may change before launch.