Welcome to acronym soup and the multiple electronic visa waiver programs that have cropped up over the last decade and are finally being implements in 2025.
ETIAS and ETA are programs administered by the EU and UK respectively in a pre-Brexit response to the ESTA system created by the US in 2008. It utilizes visa free agreements and creates electronic information that allows for faster, but still thorough, processing.
These programs are not visas - this is a travel authorization.
ESTA - The United States
Planning a trip to the United States? If you’re from one of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is your gateway to a hassle-free entry. Here’s everything you need to know about ESTA, from eligibility to practical tips.
The ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It simplifies the entry process, making travel easier for tourists and business visitors alike.
You can apply for an ESTA if:
You are a citizen or eligible national of a VWP country
You must have an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip
Your trip is for 90 days or less for business or leisure
You’re applying for a new authorization for yourself or a group of two or more people
If you already hold a visa, you do not need to apply for ESTA
Visa Waiver Countries eligible for an ESTA:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan[1]
United Kingdom
Application Time: Completing an ESTA application takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Cost: The application fee is $21, payable via debit/credit card or PayPal.
Approval Time: Approval is generally automated and may take up to 72 hours.
Validity: Upon approval, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires and can be used for multiple trips.
If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a school group, you can apply as a group for up to 50 people. A single payment and a contact person over 18 years old are required. The group does not need to travel together, making this a flexible option.
Your approved ESTA is linked to your valid passport. While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to print a copy of your application or keep your application number handy. Remember, you’ll need to reapply for a new ESTA if you get a new passport or change your name or gender.
You are not eligible for an ESTA if you have traveled to or hold dual citizenship in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011. As of January 12, 2021, the same restrictions apply for Cuba.
UK citizens must have a permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
There are exemptions for certain military and diplomatic travel. There are also some exemptions to travel to Guam or the Mariana Islands.
For more information or to apply, visit the US Customs and Border Protections website.
ETA - United Kingdom
Traveling to the UK is about to get a whole lot simpler with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program. The UK ETA is an automated eligibility system designed to facilitate entry for foreign travelers. As part of the UK's transition to a fully digital border by 2025, the ETA approval will be required for various travel purposes, including business, tourism, short-term studies, and medical treatment. However, British, British overseas territory, and Irish passport holders, as well as visa holders including settled and pre-settled individuals, are exempt from this requirement.
Applying for an ETA is straightforward and can be done entirely online or via the UK ETA app (available in the Apple or Google Play stores) . Here's what you'll need:
A valid national biometric passport from an eligible country.
A valid email address.
A credit or debit card to pay the £10 fee.
The application is open to visa-waived nationals of all ages including children and infants. Complex applications will be reviewed by agents, but most approvals are expected within 48 to 72 hours. To avoid any entry issues, it's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your planned travel.
Once approved, your ETA will be linked to your valid passport, making the entry process faster and more secure. Simply scan your passport upon arrival. If you hold dual citizenship, ensure you use the same passport for both your ETA application and entry. Approved ETAs are valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever is shorter), allowing multiple entries within that period.
The ETA program is already in use for travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Starting November 27, 2024, applications will open for all non-EU and non-EEA countries, including the USA and Canada, with the requirement coming into effect on January 8, 2025.
European travelers can start applying on March 5, 2025, and will need an ETA by April 2, 2025.
The list of eligible countries is extensive, ensuring that a large number of global travelers can benefit from the ETA system. Here are some of the countries included:
EU Countries (Begins April 2, 2025)
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Other Eligible European Countries (Begins April 2, 2025)
Andorra
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Monaco
Norway
Switzerland
Vatican City
Non-European Countries (Begins January 8, 2025)
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Dominica
East Timor
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Namibia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Qatar
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tuvalu
UAE
USA
Uruguay
Vanuatu
For more information on the UK ETA program and to apply, visit the GOV.UK website
ETIAS - EU Program
Starting in mid-2025, travelers from visa waiver countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering the EU. This new system aims to enhance security and streamline entry processes for visitors.
ETIAS is an automated IT system designed for travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter the EU. It ensures that these travelers are screened before arrival, enhancing security within the Schengen Area.
Travelers to the following countries will need ETIAS authorization:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City
Citizens from these countries can apply for ETIAS:
Albania
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macau
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Samoa
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela (currently suspended)
The application process is straightforward and takes about 20 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
A valid, machine-readable passport (preferably electronic)
The first country of entry
Background information, including occupation, travel history, and criminal history
A valid email address
A credit or debit card
Most ETIAS approvals are granted within minutes, but in some cases, it can take up to 30 days. The application fee is €7, though travelers under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee. Once approved, your ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can travel multiple times to any of the ETIAS-required countries without reapplying within this period.
Although ETIAS was initially approved in 2016, its rollout was delayed due to the pandemic. As of August 2024, the target is mid-2025 with a six month transitional period. If you are traveling to Europe in summer 2025 or later, keep an eye on updated rollout information on the EU ETIAS website. There are several unofficial websites so be sure to use the official EU site to apply and for latest information.
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