ETIAS for Australian Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
As one of the over 700,000 Australians who visit Europe each year, your visa-free travel is not changing. However, from late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel. Here is what this new requirement means for you.
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What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for Australian travellers
If you hold an Australian passport, you will soon need a new travel authorisation called ETIAS to enter 30 European countries. It is a simple online registration that adds a layer of security for visa-free travellers. Think of it as Europe's equivalent to the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that many visitors need to enter Australia.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your Australia passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your Australia passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
Australia-Specific Details
What Australian passport holders need to know
Working Holiday Visas are separate
ETIAS is for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism and business. It does not replace Working Holiday Visas. If you plan to live and work in a European country under a youth mobility scheme, you must apply for the relevant visa through that country's embassy.
Long-haul flight considerations
Given the long flight times from Australia to Europe, it is crucial to have your ETIAS approved before booking flights. While most applications are approved in minutes, some can take longer. Secure your ETIAS well in advance to avoid any travel disruptions.
AUKUS & Five Eyes intelligence sharing
As Australia is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, its citizens undergo robust security screening. This existing security cooperation may facilitate a smooth and quick ETIAS application process for most Australians with a clean record.
Dual citizens with an EU passport
If you hold both an Australian passport and a passport from an EU member state, you do not need ETIAS. You should always travel to Europe using your EU passport to exercise your freedom of movement rights.
Applies to all ages
Every Australian citizen, regardless of age, will need their own ETIAS. Parents or legal guardians can complete the application for minors. The application fee is waived for travellers under 18 and over 70.
Comparison
ETIAS vs Australian ETA - how they compare
Australians are familiar with the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system for visitors to Australia. Here is how ETIAS compares to the ETA (subclass 601).
| Feature | EU ETIAS | Australia ETA (subclass 601) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | AUD $20 (online) |
| Validity | 3 years | 1 year |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | 90 days per visit |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | Australia only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~10 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually minutes, up to 12 hours |
| Purpose | Tourism, Business, Transit | Tourism, Business Visitor only |
| Linked to passport | Yes | Yes |
Step by Step
How Australian citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a Australia passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from Australian Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for Australia citizens
The most common questions Australian travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
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