Do I Need ETIAS to Travel to Europe This Summer? Here’s What Changes in 2026
If you’re traveling to Europe in the summer of 2026, you most likely do NOT need ETIAS yet. According to the European Union, ETIAS will only become mandatory in the last quarter of 2026, with a transition period during 2027. Until it actually takes effect, there is no paperwork to do on this front.
That said, it’s worth knowing what it is and how it will work, because it directly affects Latin American travelers and the exact start date will be announced only a few months in advance.
What exactly is ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorization — not a visa — that citizens of visa-exempt countries will have to apply for to enter the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days. You apply online and it’s linked to your passport.
Who in Latin America will need it?
It covers citizens of more than 60 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. For travelers from Bolivia, Ecuador and Cuba, the traditional Schengen visa rules remain unchanged for now.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ~€7 (free for travelers under 18 and over 70) |
| Processing time | 95% approved within minutes; special cases up to 96 h |
| Validity | Up to 3 years or until your passport expires |
| Permitted stay | Up to 90 days within any 180-day period |
What you should have ready this summer
Even though ETIAS doesn’t apply yet, don’t travel without: a passport with enough validity left, travel insurance, proof of accommodation and an outbound flight, and a way to get online the moment you land. A Gigapanda eSIM for Europe gives you instant internet to pull up bookings, maps or documents at passport control without hunting for Wi-Fi.
Last updated: June 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It’s a simpler, cheaper electronic travel authorization designed for travelers who already enter the Schengen Area visa-free.
When will ETIAS become mandatory?
Starting in the last quarter of 2026, with a transition period during 2027. The EU will announce the exact date several months in advance.
How long is the authorization valid?
Up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It’s valid for multiple entries.
