Last Updated: February 2026
Starting in late 2026, Australians will need a new digital authorisation called ETIAS before visiting most of Europe. If you’ve used Australia’s own ETA system, the concept is identical — Europe is now introducing the same thing for visitors heading the other way.
⚡ Quick Reference for Australians
| What | ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) |
| When | Launches Q4 2026 (October–December) |
| Cost | €20 (~$33 AUD) per application |
| Valid for | 3 years or until your passport expires |
| Processing | Most approved in minutes |
| Covers | 30 European countries |
| Do you need it? | Yes, if you’re travelling on an Australian passport |
Do Australians Need a Visa for Europe in 2026?
No — and that isn’t changing. Australians do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, and ETIAS does not change that.
What IS changing is that starting in late 2026, you’ll need to complete a quick online authorisation before your trip. If you’ve ever applied for an Australian ETA to travel domestically through ATAS, or if you’ve applied for a US ESTA, ETIAS works the same way. Short online form, small fee, near-instant approval, linked to your passport for three years.
In fact, the EU explicitly modelled ETIAS on systems like Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority — the concept of pre-screening visa-exempt travellers online before they board is already something Australians know well, just applied in reverse.
What Is ETIAS, Exactly?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s a pre-screening system that checks travellers against European security databases before they board a flight, cruise, or train to Europe.
It is not a visa. There’s no embassy appointment, no supporting documents, no interview. It’s an online form that takes about 10 minutes, costs €20 (~$33 AUD), and is valid for three years of unlimited trips — as long as each stay respects the 90-day limit.
Once approved, your ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport. No printout needed. Airline systems check it automatically when you check in.
ETIAS vs. Australia’s ETA: Two Systems, Same Idea
Australians are in a uniquely good position to understand ETIAS. Australia runs an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that visa-exempt foreign visitors need to enter Australia — ETIAS is simply the European version of that system, applied to Australians heading to Europe.
| Feature | Australia’s ETA | Europe’s ETIAS | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20 AUD | €20 (~$33 AUD) | $21 USD |
| Valid for | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 3 months per visit | 90 days per 180 | 90 days |
| Application | Online, ~5 min | Online, ~10 min | Online, ~15 min |
| Countries covered | Australia only | 30 European countries | United States only |
| Age exemptions | None | Free for under-18s and over-70s | None |
How to Apply for ETIAS (Step by Step)
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 European countries — the 29 Schengen Area member states plus Cyprus. One ETIAS authorisation covers all of them for three years.
Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS
| Country | ETIAS Required? | What Australians Need |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | No | UK ETA (£10, valid 2 years) |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
The 90/180-Day Rule for Australians
ETIAS doesn’t change how long you can stay. The existing Schengen rule still applies: you can spend up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
This is a rolling window, not a calendar reset. Days “expire” off your counter 180 days after each entry. With careful planning, you can spend significant time in Europe across multiple trips per year.
Use our free Schengen Calculator to track your days. For the full explanation with examples, see our Schengen 90/180-Day Rule Guide.
Dual Citizens: Australia + EU Country
If you hold dual citizenship with any EU or Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS. Enter Europe on your EU passport — no 90-day limit, no EES biometric check, no ETIAS required.
Australian + non-EU passport: ETIAS is required. Apply using whichever passport you’ll use to enter Europe — the ETIAS is linked to that specific document.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost in Australian Dollars?
- Adults (18–70): €20 (~$33 AUD)
- Under 18: Free (application still required)
- Over 70: Free (application still required)
For a full cost breakdown, see our guide to ETIAS Cost & Fees.
Check Your Travel Requirements
Select your passport and destinations to see exactly what you need for every European country.
Use Europe Travel Planner →Frequently Asked Questions
When does ETIAS start for Australians?
ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). The exact date will be announced by the European Commission. There will be a 6-month transition period during which ETIAS is available but not strictly mandatory.
How much does ETIAS cost in Australian dollars?
The fee is €20, approximately $33 AUD. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to complete the application.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt countries like Australia. As an Australian, you need ETIAS — not a Schengen visa — for short stays. See our guide to Schengen Visa vs. ETIAS.
Do I need ETIAS for a stopover in Europe?
If your layover requires you to pass through border control in a Schengen country, yes. If you remain in the international transit zone without entering the Schengen Area, no ETIAS is required.
I have an Australian passport and an Italian passport. Do I need ETIAS?
No. Dual citizens holding an EU passport cannot apply for ETIAS — you must enter Europe on your EU passport.
Do children need their own ETIAS?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETIAS. Parents can apply on behalf of minors. Children under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee.
Can I work or study in Europe with ETIAS?
No. ETIAS covers short-term visits for tourism, business, and transit only. To work or study, you need a national visa or residence permit from the relevant country.
What if my ETIAS application is denied?
You’ll be notified of the reason and can appeal or apply for a full Schengen visa through a European embassy. See our guide: Can You Be Denied ETIAS?
Does ETIAS cover New Zealand passport holders?
Yes, New Zealand passport holders also need ETIAS — but they’ll need to apply separately on their New Zealand passport. See our dedicated guide: ETIAS for New Zealanders.
📚 Related Articles
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide — The full breakdown of Europe’s new travel authorisation
- ETIAS for New Zealanders — Travelling with a Kiwi? They need their own ETIAS
- ETIAS for Americans
- ETIAS for Canadians
- Schengen 90/180 Day Rule Explained
- Free Schengen Calculator
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
- ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our privacy policy for details.