Check Whether You Need to Apply for ETIAS Before Your Europe Trip
Key Takeaway
You can't apply yet. As of October 17, 2026, the official EU site says ETIAS is not in operation and takes no applications. For a Europe trip this year, learn about EES border registration first.
Do Korean passport holders need ETIAS?
Yes, once it starts. South Korea is on the official "who should apply" list, along with Japan, Taiwan, the US, and the UK. It covers visa-exempt travelers on short stays, and 30 countries will require it, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.
What will it cost, and how long is it valid?
These are the values on the official site. Only the start date is missing; the rules themselves are already published.
| Item | Official guidance |
|---|---|
| Fee | EUR 20 (some travelers exempt) |
| Validity | Up to 3 years, or until the passport expires if sooner |
| Stay | Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Processing | Usually minutes; otherwise a decision within 4 days |
| Extra documents or interview | Up to 14 days if documents are requested, up to 30 days for an interview |
ETIAS does not guarantee entry. The official guidance says border guards will still check your passport and documents on arrival.
What about sites taking ETIAS applications now?
Since the official site says it is not accepting applications, anyone charging money for ETIAS now is not the official route. Once it launches, the guidance names two ways to apply: the official EU website or the official ETIAS app. Check that the address ends in europa.eu.
So what has changed at European airports this year?
The EES (Entry/Exit System) is already in use. Each time a non-EU short-stay traveler crosses the external border of the 29 European countries using EES, the entry and exit are recorded electronically along with fingerprints and a facial image. This record is gradually replacing passport stamps. Cyprus and Ireland still stamp passports by hand.
You can check how many days you have left with the EES tool on the official site. Enter your passport number, the country you are visiting, and your planned arrival and departure dates. Time spent in the area before April 10, 2026 is not counted in that figure, so if you were in Europe before then, count the days yourself.
What should I do before leaving?
- Check your passport expiry date. Once ETIAS starts, its validity is cut short to match the passport.
- If you have already booked a flight for next year, check the official EU website for the start date every few months.
- If your trip is close to 90 days, calculate your remaining days with the EES tool.
The EU will post the start date on the official website. As departure gets closer, also check the country entry guidance on the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel safety site.
Sources: Official EU ETIAS website, Who should apply, What is ETIAS, EES stay calculator. Checked 2026-10-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get ETIAS in advance right now?
No. The official EU website says ETIAS is not yet in operation and is not collecting applications. Anyone asking for payment now is not the official application route.
Can one person apply for the whole family?
Yes. The official website has a separate guide on applying on behalf of others. ETIAS is linked to each passport, so you need one per family member, and you can check fee exemptions when the launch is announced.
Do I need a new one if I get a new passport?
Yes. The official guidance says ETIAS is linked to your passport, so a new passport means a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
Sources & Verification Date
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) (official EU website) · Verified
- Who should apply (ETIAS countries and nationalities) · Verified
- What is ETIAS (validity and processing time) · Verified
- Check how long you can stay (EES stay calculator) · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.