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ETA and ETIAS are both pre-travel electronic authorization systems for the UK and EU, respectively. Non-visa nationals who did not require a visa to visit the UK earlier now need to have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to the UK. Similarly, from Q4, 2026, the European Commission will roll out ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). After its rollout, visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to participating European countries (27 Schengen Area states as well as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus) will need an ETIAS—an electronic pre-travel authorization system.
Both ETA and ETIAS systems aim to enhance border security and streamline entry for visa- exempt travelers. However, the difference between ETA & ETIAS is that they apply to different regions, follow different procedures, and carry distinct requirements.
What is the ETA?
The UK introduced an ETA scheme for non-visa nationals who did not require a visa earlier to travel to the UK. The ETA is an electronic pre-travel authorization system to conduct advance security screenings of non-visa nationals looking to enter the UK as
- Visitors for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
- As creative workers under the relevant visa concession for up to 3 months.
- For a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through a UK airport if you will pass through border control. If you are unsure, you should check with your airline.
Even with an ETA, there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter the UK. You will still need to see a BFO (Border Force officer) or use an ePassport gate. Please note ETA is not a visa.
If you have a criminal record or your entry to the UK was previously refused, instead of an ETA you may need to apply for a UK standard visitor visa.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic pre-travel authorization system for visitors who are nationals of other countries that are not part of the EU currently. This will be a mechanism to digitally screen and track travelers who earlier could enter EU and Schengen member countries visa-free, entering and leaving EU countries.
The ETIAS will check the security credentials of travelers visiting EU member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes.
Once ETIAS becomes operational, it will become mandatory for nationals of approximately 60 countries who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe. This includes travelers from the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, Japan, and numerous other countries. Similar to the UK ETA, ETIAS is also not a visa.
Difference between ETA and ETIAS
The clear difference between the two is that while ETA is a system launched by the UK, ETIAS is a system yet to be launched by the EU Commission. The other differences include the scope of the systems, the validity period for both systems, and fee differences, among others, which we will see here.
1. Geographical Scope
The first difference between ETA & ETIAS is that while ETA is required for the non-visa nationals traveling or transiting through the UK, ETIAS will be required for traveling to the 30 participating European countries, which include all 27 Schengen Area states as well as Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
Non-visa nationals including most EU nationals require ETA to travel to the UK. Similarly, UK citizens traveling to these EU countries will also require ETIAS.
2. Launch Time
While the UK has already launched and fully implemented its ETA scheme, the EU is expected to launch its ETIAS scheme in Q4 of 2026. Travelers planning to visit European countries under the current visa-free arrangements should monitor official guidance closely. They should ensure they apply for ETIAS in advance of their planned journey once the ETIAS system becomes operational. This is another difference between ETA and ETIAS.
3. Length of Stay
With an ETA you can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months if you are coming for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study (excluding marriage/civil partnership visitors).
However, with an ETIAS, you will be able to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for the same purposes.
4. Validity
Talking about the difference between ETA & ETIAS, your ETA lasts for two years or until your current passport expires, whichever happens sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have an ETA.
On the other hand, once you are granted ETIAS, it will be valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
5. Application Fee
ETA costs £16 to apply. Everyone, including babies and children, traveling to the UK needs to get an ETA. You can apply for other people too. You cannot get a refund after you have applied.
On the other hand, the standard application fee for ETIAS will be €7. However, those aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee.
6. Processing Time
Processing time is different, and hence it is another difference between ETA & ETIAS. You will usually get a decision on your ETA application within 3 working days. However, most applicants get a much quicker decision. Sometimes, it may take more than 3 working days. There is no way to get a faster decision by applying
through another website.
Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed within minutes. However, some applications may take up to 96 hours if additional checks are necessary.
7. Suitability
In terms of suitability criteria, the Home Office has expanded immigration rules for ETA applicants. Your application is subject to refusal based on previous criminal convictions (particularly those resulting in custodial sentences of 12 months or more), previous immigration breaches, deception, unpaid NHS or Home Office debts, or litigation debts. Notably, if you had a UK visa refusal or cancellation of an ETA previously, it may also result in ineligibility.
On the other hand, the ETIAS is less prescriptive about the detailed grounds for application refusal in comparison to the UK model, as it is expected to conduct automated checks against EU security databases to assess risk.
Final Thoughts
Even though the purpose of ETA and ETIAS is the same, which is to scrutinize people who did not need a visa for traveling to UK and EU nations earlier,. Non-visa nationals have to get an ETA now before they travel to the UK. Similarly, non-EU nationals will require ETIAS in the future for traveling to Schengen Area states, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
However, there are distinct differences between ETA & ETIAS. Where ETA is a scheme launched and fully implemented by the UK. On the other hand, the ETIAS scheme is expected to be introduced by the last quarter of 2026 by EU nations, which include 30 countries. They are not different just in terms of geographical scope, but there are other differences between the two as well.
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