What is ETIAS, the E.U. Travel and Information Authorisation System?

The E.U. Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the new visa waiver system, which will be implemented in France and other Schengen countries in 2025. Exact dates (as of February 2025) have yet to be announced, but we will keep updating this page when we hear more.

ETIAS is a similar system based on the USA’s ESTA visa waiver and the UK’s soon-to-be-implemented ETA visa waiver system. An ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for British nationals visiting France for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Exclusions apply if you’re a UK national and plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you are a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement.

The good news is that once your ETIAS application is accepted, it’s valid for multiple entries over three years (or until your passport has expired). That means you don’t have to apply every time you want to escape to Morzine and Les Gets to stay with Hunter Chalets (well, within the specified timeframes at least).

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for an ETIAS?

These are the key ETIAS eligibility requirements for British nationals:

• You are a British passport holder
• Your British passport has been issued less than 10 years before you enter France and is valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave
• You intend to stay less than 90 days in any 180-day period
• You are visiting for tourism, business, medical or transit, rather than education or employment
• You don’t have a serious criminal record. A background check will likely be taken
• You are not a serious health risk. You may need to disclose medical information
• You haven’t been deported or had other visa refusals

How do I apply for the ETIAS?

Once the ETIAS system is rolled out, you will need to visit the official ETIAS website or mobile app. You will then be prompted to: 

1. Fill in the application form with your passport information, travel plans and personal details
2. Answer the security and health-rated questions 
3. Pay the application fee of €7 per adult with a debit or credit card (the fee is waived for applicants under 18 and over 70)
4. Wait for your application to be reviewed. You will be able to track your application status 
5. Receive your ETIAS application approval over email 

NOTE: You won’t be able to do family or group ETIAS applications, as each authorisation is connected to individual passports. We’ll explain how to apply for kids and third parties below!

How do I apply for ETIAS for my kids?

Every member of your group or family will need to submit their own ETIAS application. You can apply on behalf of your kids, babies and teens under the age of 18. The application process is exactly the same, except you won’t need to pay a fee.

Can my travel agent apply for my ETIAS?

You can authorise a third party supplier, like a travel agent, to apply on your behalf, but you will need to sign a declaration of representation which signifies that you have entrusted them with your personal data. It’s a good idea to keep a record of your signed declarations. Just be careful who you entrust your personal details to. We advise filling out your applications yourself to avoid any snags!

When should I apply for an ETIAS?

If you intend to book a holiday to France (or other Schengen Area countries), we recommend getting the ETIAS application out of the way first. That way, if any problems do occur, you can get them sorted without them affecting your holiday. 

Consider your application approval your green light to start booking that trip. And remember, you will only need to apply once every three years, or when your passport expires! Most applicants will receive their authorisation within the hour. You should receive an answer either way within 96 hours. If they request additional information, you will have 10 days to submit it. You will then hear back within 96 hours. 

Very rarely, if the additional information isn’t enough, you may be invited for an interview at your nearest consulate or online. That shouldn’t be the case if you meet the eligibility criteria, though!

Is there a difference between driving and flying to France when applying for an ETIAS?

No, there is no difference. The ETIAS is linked to your passport, and it will be required whenever you enter the Schengen Area, whether that’s overland or by air. The main key takeaway you need to know is that if you’re a UK national visiting France on holiday, you will need to apply for an ETIAS once every three years or once your passport expires. Don’t worry, it’s a simple process and you’ll be in the mountains before you know it!

When does the ETIAS entry system start?

They keep postponing the date and, as of now (February 2025), the date has not yet been announced. We have seen the new systems installed at Geneva Airport, so we are just waiting for news of when the changes will come into force. We’re keeping an eye on the official ETIAS page for details.