ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — will one day require visa-free visitors (including UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders) to complete a short online application, expected to cost €20 and last three years, before entering most European countries.
The current status
It is not in operation. In July 2026 the EU withdrew its late-2026 launch target from the official website; the system is now expected in 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed. Even when it launches, a transition period is planned before it becomes strictly mandatory.
The scam to avoid
Because ETIAS has been announced for years, look-alike websites sell “applications” today. There is nothing to apply for — any site taking payment for an ETIAS right now is not official. When the system does go live, the only place to apply will be the EU's own portal, linked below. Until then, travel to Europe as normal: valid passport, and EES biometrics handled at the border.
Every Eurostar journey starts with reaching the station on time. Rushxo runs fixed-fare private hire across London and the UK, 24/7 — the quote is the fare, with no surge for early starts or late arrivals. Book a St Pancras transfer, WhatsApp us, or call 020 8888 9988.
Official sources
Quick answers
Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2026?
No. ETIAS is not in operation — the EU withdrew its late-2026 launch target in July 2026 and the system is now expected in 2027. Nothing to apply for today.
How much will ETIAS cost when it launches?
The planned fee is €20, with the authorisation expected to last three years or until your passport expires, and exemptions planned for under-18s and over-70s. Confirm details on the official EU page when it goes live.
How do I avoid ETIAS scams?
Simple: don't pay anyone for an ETIAS today, because the system isn't live. When it launches, apply only through the EU's official portal at travel-europe.europa.eu.
Events, venues, airports & the wider network
Rushxo runs fixed-price transfers to events and venues, every major airport and cruise terminal, and towns and cities right across London and the South East. Every journey is a fixed price agreed before you book.
Event & venue transfers
O2 Arena · Wembley Stadium · Twickenham Stadium · Emirates Stadium · Ascot Racecourse · Epsom Derby · Download Festival · Brands Hatch
Airports & cruise terminals
Gatwick Airport · Heathrow Airport · Stansted Airport · Luton Airport · London City Airport · Southend Airport · Cruise transfers
Popular towns & cities
London · Brighton · Canterbury · Chelmsford · Cambridge · Oxford · Guildford
Explore the network
Airport transfers · Events & venues · Event airport transfers