As international travel becomes more regulated, different regions have introduced systems to monitor and authorise the entry of visitors. For the European Union, this system is called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will come into effect in 2025. In the US, a similar system known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) has been in place since 2009.
While both ETIAS and ESTA serve similar purposes, there are key differences between the two systems. Below, we compare ETIAS and ESTA across several important categories, providing detailed understanding of how they work and what they mean for travellers.
Features
ETIAS (EU)
ESTA (US)
Validity Period
ETIAS
3 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
ESTA
2 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
Target Population
ETIAS
440+ million in the Schengen Area
ESTA
330+ million in the United States
Eligible Countries
ETIAS
Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the Schengen Area
ESTA
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the USA
Cost of Application
ETIAS
Approx. 7 €
ESTA
$21
Required Documents
ETIAS
Valid passport, email address, credit/debit card
ESTA
Valid passport, email address, credit/debit card
Numbers of Countries Impacted
ETIAS
30 Schengen Area countries (list below)
ESTA
40 Visa Waiver Program countries
Validity period
ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the expiration of the traveller’s passport, whichever comes first. This means that if your passport expires before the three-year period, your ETIAS will also expire, and you will need to apply again with your new passport. ESTA, on the other hand, is valid for two years under the same conditions. If a traveller’s passport expires within these two years, the ESTA becomes invalid and requires reapplication with the new passport.
Target population
ETIAS applies to non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries who wish to enter any of the 30 countries within the Schengen Area, which has a combined population of over 440 million. By contrast, ESTA is for travellers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who plan to visit the US, which has a population of over 330 million. Both systems target a significant portion of the global population, but ETIAS covers a broader range of countries.
Eligible countries
ETIAS and ESTA both apply to citizens of specific countries who do not require a traditional visa for short stays. For ETIAS, this includes over 60 countries worldwide, whose citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa by must obtain travel authorisation via ETIAS. ESTA applies to citizens of 40 countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Both systems require pre-travel authorisation to ensure that travellers meet entry requirements before their journey.
Cost of application
The cost of obtaining an ETIAS is expected to be around 7 €, making it an affordable option for travellers to the Schengen Area. ESTA costs $21, which is higher, but still relatively inexpensive considering the convenience it provides. Both fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied, so it’s important to ensure all information is accurate when applying.
Required documents
To apply for ETIAS, travellers need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay for application fee. Similarly, ESTA requires a valid passport, email address and payment card. Both systems are straightforward in terms of documentation, making the application process relatively simple and accessible for most travellers.
Numbers of countries impacted
ETIAS impacts travellers heading to any of the 30 Schengen Area countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. A full list of these countries is provided below. ESTA affects travellers from 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program visiting the United States.
List of Schengen Area countries for ETIAS
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania.
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To wrap it all up
Both ETIAS and ESTA are critical components of modern travel, designed to enhance security and streamline the entry process for visitors. While they share many similarities, such as the need for pre-travel authorisation and the requirement of basic documentation, there are distinct differences in their validity, costs, and the regions they cover.
Useful resources
For more detailed information, please refer to the following resources:
- ETIAS Official Website – European Union – Visit the website.
- ESTA Official Website – U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Visit the website.