Planning to travel to Europe in 2026? The much-anticipated European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will roll out in the final quarter of 2026. Fundamentally, this will change the entry process for millions, including travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, and more. ETIAS is not a visa—but a pre-travel online authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries who wish to enter 30 European nations—including all those in the Schengen Zone. Starting in late 2026, Singaporean passport holders must apply for ETIAS online prior to their European trip. Unfortunately, airlines will deny boarding to those without approved authorization. Here’s key information on ETIAS for travellers.
What is ETIAS?
Travellers from visa-exempt countries will be required to fill in a pre-travel form before travel to Europe in 2026. This new requirement means that before each trip, all travellers must complete a short digital application providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
If approval is granted, it will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. Interestingly, it is valid for three years or until the passport expires—allowing short-term stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The ETIAS process is straightforward: applicants need only a valid passport, a credit card for the fee (which will be €20 for most adults but waived for travellers under 18 or over 70), and a valid email address. Meanwhile, applications are typically approved within minutes—but travellers may want to apply early incase additional checks are needed. Learn more about this process.
Wonderfully, ETIAS are set to streamline European border entry and eliminate the need for physical stamps or more complex visa applications. Therefore, aligning Europe with travel screening practices already familiar to Singaporeans visiting the United States or Canada.
Why do Singaporeans need ETIAS?
The primary reasons for ETIAS are to improve security, streamline border control, and for better public health monitoring. By collecting data before travel, European authorities can screen passengers against multiple international security databases—like Interpol and Europol—detecting risks from crime, terrorism, illegal migration, or health crises before travellers even board their flights.
Are all European countries included?
Notably, ETIAS are not needed to enter every single European country. Here are the 30 countries requiring ETIAS from late 2026:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Travellers from visa-exempt countries can still travel to destinations like Ireland and Albania without filling in ETIAS.
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