In short:
Letias is a mandatory electronic travel authorization to access 30 European countries for a short stay without a visa.
- Administrative fees: Single price of €20 per request, free for travelers under 18 and over 70 years old.
- validity period: Valid for a maximum of 3 years or until the expiry date of the attached passport.
- Conditions of stay: Allows a maximum stay of 90 days over any period of 180 days.
- Official launch: Commissioning planned by the European Commission in the last quarter of 2026.
What is Letias to travel to Europe?
LetIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to 30 European countries for a short stay of 90 days maximum over any 180-day period. This digital document is directly linked to the traveler’s passport.
This system aims to strengthen the control of the external borders of the Schengen area while facilitating the passage of travelers in good standing. The authorization does not constitute a classic visa: the request is made entirely online before departure without going to an embassy.
What are the 59 countries and territories affected by Letias?
Citizens residing in countries with a visa exemption for Europe will have to obtain a validated ETIAS authorization prior to embarkation. According to the European Commission and DG Migration and Home Affairs, the 59 third countries and territories subject to this obligation are:
- Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica.
- United Arab Emirates, United States, Georgia, Granada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius.
- Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia.
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
What is the price and duration of validity of Letias?
The authorization request is made online for a lump sum payment. The amount and criteria for free are set strictly by the European authorities.
| Criterion | ETIAS official rule |
|---|---|
| Standard cost of demand | 20 € per person |
| Exemption from expenses | Free for children under 18 and over 70 |
| Maximum validity period | 3 years (or end of passport validity) |
| Length of stay authorized | 90 days max over a period of 180 days |
| Effective date | Last Quarter 2026 |
According to the European Commission, the tax of 20 € is payable by credit card during the online form. The authorization remains valid for 3 years or until the validity date of the passport recorded during the process: if you change your passport, you must make a new request from TIAS.
When will Letias become compulsory for travel?
The operational launch of Letias is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, according to the official announcements of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. The travelers concerned have no steps to take before this deadline.
From its official deployment in the last quarter of 2026, air, sea and landlines will check the possession of letias valid before boarding to the 30 participating European countries.
How is the Detias application online?
The procedure is carried out exclusively online via the official website or the dedicated mobile application. You must bring a valid passport from one of the 59 exempt countries and a means of payment to pay the €20 in administrative costs.
In the vast majority of cases, the authorization is issued automatically a few minutes after the processing of the file. However, the authorities recommend that the process be carried out at least a few days before the scheduled departure in order to deal with any additional checks.
frequently asked questions
What is the official price of the Detias request?
The regulatory tariff is set at €20 per request by the European Commission. Payment is made directly online. Applicants under the age of 18 or over 70 at the time of the application receive a total exemption from fees.
How long is the ETIAS authorization valid?
The ETIAS authorization remains valid for up to 3 years, or until the expiry date of the passport attached to the file if it expires earlier. A new passport requires the creation of a new paid ETIAS authorization.
Does a British citizen have to ask for an ETIAS to come to Europe?
Yes, UK nationals are among the 59 third-party visa-exempt nationalities that must obtain a prior ETIAS authorization to enter the 30 European countries concerned, for any stay of a maximum duration of 90 days.
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