Swiss Passports Exempt as Schengen Adds Online Permit in 2027

Travellers from visa-exempt countries will need an approved travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area once the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes operational, which is expected in 2027. The Czech Republic's Foreign Ministry describes ETIAS as a travel authorisation rather than a visa, designed to streamline border controls and strengthen security in the Schengen Area.

Key facts

• Expected launch: 2027, though no exact date has been announced
• Who needs it: nationals of third countries who travel to the Schengen Area under the visa-free regime
• Who is exempt: citizens of the Czech Republic, other EU Member States, EEA countries and Switzerland
• Validity: three years from issue, or until the travel document used in the application expires
• Stay limit: a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period
• How to apply: online only, through the official European Union ETIAS portal

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorisation required for entry into the Schengen Area for travellers from visa-exempt countries. It is not a visa. The Czech Republic's Foreign Ministry says the system will complement existing EU information systems and help further streamline border controls.

The ministry points to comparable authorisation schemes already used during immigration checks by the United States (ESTA), the United Kingdom (ETA) and Canada (eTA).

Who is affected?

The requirement applies to nationals of third countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and who travel under the visa-free regime.

It does not apply to citizens of the Czech Republic, other EU Member States, EEA countries or Switzerland. People holding a valid residence permit issued by one of these countries — except Cyprus and Ireland — are also exempt, as are holders of valid Schengen visas.

When does it start and how do I apply?

ETIAS is expected to be launched in 2027, but the official application portal is not yet operational. Applications will be accepted exclusively online through the ETIAS system on the official European Union portal.

Applications are typically processed automatically within minutes, although cases requiring manual review may take longer. The ministry says further details about the registration process will be published before the system becomes operational.

How long is the authorisation valid?

The travel authorisation will be valid for three years from the date of issue, or until the expiry of the travel document used in the application — whichever comes first. During that period, travellers may enter the Schengen Area multiple times.

Trips remain subject to the visa-free limit of 90 days within any 180-day period. The ministry notes that travellers can use the Schengen calculator to keep track of their stay.

A note for dual nationals

The ministry highlights a specific issue for people who hold Czech, EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship alongside citizenship of a third visa-exempt country. Once ETIAS is operational, such individuals must travel to the Schengen Area on a valid travel document issued by the Czech Republic, another EU Member State, an EEA country or Switzerland.

Czech dual nationals are strongly advised to check the validity of their Czech travel documents well before travelling and to apply for a new document in the Czech Republic or at a Czech diplomatic or consular mission abroad if needed.

What this means for travellers

Travellers from visa-exempt countries should factor an ETIAS authorisation into their trip planning once the system goes live, and check whether their nationality is covered before booking. Dual nationals who also hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport should make sure that document is valid before they travel.

Beware of fraudulent websites

The official ETIAS application portal is not yet open. The Czech Republic's Foreign Ministry strongly advises travellers to avoid websites currently offering to submit ETIAS applications for a fee, stating that such sites are fraudulent. Current information on ETIAS is available on the official European Union portal at travel-europe.europa.eu.