ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is an electronic travel authorization, also known as a visa waiver, for visa-exempt non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area. The system is designed to improve border management and increase security across Europe by screening and registering visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area.

Starting from 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most European countries. The ETIAS travel authorization is not a visa, but rather a visa waiver program that requires international travelers from a designated list of countries to pre-register before arriving in Europes Schengen zone.

To get an ETIAS, travelers have to fill out an online application form with basic details and answer a few safety-related questions to verify their eligibility for visa-free travel to Europe. Applications are checked against European security databases including the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS), Europol database, the Eurodac database, and Interpol database.

The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until the expiration of the travel document registered during application, whichever comes first. It allows travelers to enter the Schengen region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used again and again for future trips.