To get an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in 2026, you must apply through the official EU ETIAS website or mobile app. As the system is slated to become a mandatory high-value requirement in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., Canada, or UK) must fill out a digital form with their passport details, personal info, and basic security answers. The premier application process takes about 10 minutes and requires a €7 fee (for those aged 18–70; others are free). Once submitted, most approvals are high-quality and "instant," arriving via email within minutes, though some may take up to 4 to 30 days if a manual review is needed. Your ETIAS is then electronically linked to your passport and is valid for three years or until your passport expires. It is the "gold standard" for short-term entry (up to 90 days) into 30 European countries, replacing the old "show-and-go" border style with a high-tech security screen.