Schengen travel rules to change in 2027 as Europe introduces new ETIAS authorisation

Travellers from countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area will need a new travel authorisation from 2027, when the European Union introduces the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

The system will require eligible visitors to obtain travel authorisation before travelling to the Schengen Area. However, ETIAS is not a visa and will apply to nationals of third countries who currently benefit from visa-free entry.

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According to information published by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 6, 2026, ETIAS will complement existing European Union information systems and support border management and security checks. Similar travel authorisation systems are already operated by the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada through ESTA, ETA and eTA, respectively.

Who will need ETIAS authorisation?

The requirement will apply to nationals of countries whose citizens can currently enter the Schengen Area without a visa.

However, citizens of the Czech Republic and other European Union member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland will not need ETIAS.

The requirement will also not apply to people holding valid residence permits issued by these countries, except Cyprus and Ireland, or those holding valid Schengen visas.

How long will ETIAS remain valid?

Applications will be submitted online through the official European Union portal. Most applications are expected to be processed automatically within minutes, although those requiring manual review may take longer. Further details about the registration process will be published before the system becomes operational.

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An approved ETIAS authorisation will remain valid for three years from the date of issue or until the travel document used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

During this period, travellers will be allowed multiple visits to the Schengen Area. However, the existing visa-free stay limit will remain unchanged at 90 days within any 180 days. Travellers can use the European Commission's Schengen calculator to track their permitted stay.

Warning against fraudulent ETIAS websites

The Czech authorities have warned travellers that the official ETIAS application portal has not yet been launched. Websites currently offering paid ETIAS applications are fraudulent, they said.

Travellers have been advised to check updates only through the official European Union website, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, before submitting an application or making any payment.

Advice for travellers with dual citizenship

The Czech authorities have also highlighted the requirements for people holding dual citizenship.

Individuals who have Czech citizenship or the nationality of another EU, EEA or Swiss country, alongside citizenship of a visa-exempt third country, must use a valid passport or travel document issued by their EU, EEA or Swiss country when travelling to the Schengen Area.

Czech citizens with dual nationality have been advised to check their Czech travel documents well in advance. Those whose passports are invalid or nearing expiry should apply for replacements before travelling.

Applications can be submitted in the Czech Republic or through designated Czech diplomatic missions abroad.