Update October 2025: ETIAS was postponed and will start operations in the last quarter of 2026
Planning a trip to Paris in 2026? Then chances are high that you need to apply for the mandatory ETIAS Travel Authorization before your trip.
If this is news to you, don’t worry. Because in this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know.
In a few words: ETIAS is an EU travel authorization for short therm visits under 90 days and that applies to visa free travelers. It will be mandatory from end 2025. You find more information on the OFFICIAL ETIAS Website.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a travel authorization introduced by the European Union for short-term visits up to 90 days. It applies to:
- every visa free traveler without a European Union passport
- who visits Paris – or any of the 30 European countries, that are part of the Schengen zone:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
At the time of writing, not all countries within the European Union are part of the Schengen zone, for example Ireland. Please verify the requirements before your trip on the official ETIAS page.
The ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years and costs €7.
Also interesting: Pack for Paris: Essentials for a Perfect Trip (2026)
Does ETIAS apply to you and your Paris trip?
If you are traveling to Paris – or any other of the European Countries mentioned above, and you don’t need a VISA to enter the territory, then you need the ETIAS travel authorization.
This applies to the following countries and territories:
There are a few exceptions in place, so make sure to check the official ETIAS page.
How to apply for ETIAS
To apply for ETIAS, you need the following:
- A passport valid for more than 3 months
- an email address
- internet
- and €7
The application system will be through an online form. Even though not it’s yet operational, there are already tons of pages out there, claiming to be THE ETIAS page or charging you extra to help through the application process.
Hence, when applying for your ETIAS, make sure you use the official ETIAS page: www.europa.eu/etias.
Voilà, something to definitely keep in mind if you plan your trip to Paris for 2026.
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO