ETIAS 2026: when it starts, how much it costs, and how to apply (updated guide)

Updated in April 2026. The ETIAS — the electronic authorization from the European Union for visa-exempt travelers — is one of the most confusing pieces of information circulating about travel to Europe. Dates have been postponed several times, and the fee has changed. In this guide, you will find the current official status, when it will take effect for Brazilians, how much it costs, and how it works in practice.

Is ETIAS already in effect in April 2026?

NO. In April 2026, ETIAS is not yet required for Brazilians (or any traveler). The official launch is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.

The official timeline from the European Union is:

• Last quarter of 2026: system launch. Application becomes possible.
• From October 2026 to April 2027: transition period. Travelers can apply but can enter Europe even without ETIAS, as long as they meet other requirements.
• April 2027: mandatory application begins progressively.
• October 2027: ETIAS becomes 100% mandatory.

In other words: those traveling to Europe in 2026 do not need ETIAS yet. Stay alert to official channels because the date has already been postponed several times.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-authorization, similar to the ESTA from the United States or the ETA from the United Kingdom. It is not a visa — it is a pre-authorization completed online before boarding.

It applies to citizens of about 60 countries, including Brazil, who currently travel to Europe for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

How much will ETIAS cost?

In March 2025, the European Union tripled the expected fee: from €7 (previous estimate) to €20. The fee applies to travelers between 18 and 70 years old. Children and seniors do not pay.

Payment will be made online at the time of filling out the form, using a credit/debit card.

What is the validity of ETIAS?

ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until the expiration date of the registered passport, whichever comes first. During this period, you can enter the Schengen area as many times as you want — each stay limited to 90 days within 180 days.

Which countries require ETIAS?

The 30 countries in the Schengen area:

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Bytugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and Cyprus.

Important: the United Kingdom already has its own system, the ETA (£20, in effect since 2025).

ETIAS vs EES: do not confuse

In April 2026, what is already in effect is not ETIAS — it is the EES (Entry/Exit System). These are different and complementary systems:

Read our detailed article on EES: the new biometric system in Europe.

How to apply for ETIAS (when available)

The process is not yet active in April 2026, but we already know how it will work:

1. Access the official website travel-europe.europa.eu/etias (be careful with fake sites!)
2. Fill out the form with: passport details, personal information, itinerary, background
3. Pay the €20 fee with a card
4. Receive the response usually within minutes (up to 96 hours in cases of manual verification)
5. The authorization is linked to the passport number

Who should stay informed

• Those traveling to Europe between October 2026 and April 2027 — transition period
• Those traveling from April 2027 onwards — mandatory for some countries
• Those traveling from October 2027 onwards — total mandatory

Brazilians traveling in 2026 (until September) do not need to worry about ETIAS — only about the EES, which is done at the border.

Practical tips

• Beware of fake sites: the only official channel is travel-europe.europa.eu. Other sites may charge up to €90 for "intermediation."
• Don't leave it to the last minute: the idea is for ETIAS to be quick (minutes), but in some cases, it can take up to 96 hours. Request at least 7 days in advance.
• Passport must be valid: at least 3 months after the date of departure from Europe. ETIAS is valid along with the passport.
• Each traveler needs their own: including children (free up to 18 years).

Internet in Europe: don't leave it to the last minute

While ETIAS is not yet here, connectivity remains essential. With a regional eSIM for Europe, you have internet in 39 countries with a single chip, purchase before traveling and activate upon arrival. See eSIM plans for Europe or read our guide eSIM for Europe: 1 chip for 39 countries.

Source: Official EU Bytal, Panrotas.