ETIAS: No start date yet – and what your visitors from abroad need to know

In short

ETIAS is an online travel authorisation for people who do not need a visa, for example from the USA, Brazil, Serbia or Malaysia. It covers 30 European countries, Switzerland included.
As of 2 November 2026 there is no start date. The EU says it will announce the launch several months in advance. You cannot apply for ETIAS yet.
The plan is €20 per application, valid for three years. Under-18s and over-70s pay nothing.
With a Swiss residence permit you do not need ETIAS.

Who will need ETIAS?

Travellers from countries whose citizens need no visa for short stays in Europe. If you need a Schengen visa today, for example with a passport from Sri Lanka, India or Türkiye, you will still need a visa, not ETIAS.

It mainly affects visitors from abroad: once ETIAS starts, relatives or friends coming to see you in Switzerland on a visa-free passport will need it before they travel.

What if I live in Switzerland?

The ETIAS Regulation does not apply to holders of a residence permit issued by a Schengen country, a Schengen visa or a national long-stay visa (Article 2). With a Swiss B, C or L permit card you do not need ETIAS. Swiss and EU citizens do not need it either.

How much will ETIAS cost?

In July 2025 the European Commission raised the fee from €7 to €20. It applies as soon as ETIAS is running. Applicants under 18 or over 70 at the time of application pay no fee. An authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport expires.

What you can do now

Pay nothing: there is nothing to apply for today.
Tell your guests: anyone visiting you on a visa-free passport should check before each trip whether ETIAS has started.
Remember the EES: the Entry/Exit System has been running since April 2026. See our article on the EES.