Travel guide
What is ETIAS? The accurate guide for Turkish passport holders
ETIAS is not operating yet, and Turkish nationals are not in its scope. Ordinary passports still require a Schengen visa; eligible special passports remain exempt from ETIAS.
Prepared by the FlyVentis editorial team and regularly reviewed for travel and event accuracy.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be an electronic pre-travel authorisation for eligible nationals of certain visa-exempt countries visiting 30 European countries for a short stay. It is not a visa and does not guarantee admission at the border.
As of 14 September 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. The European Union plans to launch it in the last quarter of 2026 and says the exact date will be announced several months in advance. No applications are currently being collected.
Do Turkish citizens need ETIAS?
No. The EU Delegation to Türkiye states that Turkish nationals are not covered because Türkiye is not a visa-exempt country. An ordinary Turkish passport holder will continue to need a Schengen visa, not ETIAS, for a short trip.
Turkish citizens who can travel visa-free with diplomatic, service or special green passports will not need ETIAS either. Their existing visa-exemption conditions and the normal border requirements continue to apply.
| Turkish travel document | ETIAS | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport | Not required | Schengen visa for a short stay |
| Special green passport | Not required | Existing visa exemption and entry conditions |
| Service passport | Not required | Applicable document exemption conditions |
| Diplomatic passport | Not required | Applicable document exemption conditions |
Who will need ETIAS and when?
ETIAS is intended for eligible nationals of listed visa-exempt countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Brazil. It will be linked to the passport used in the application.
The current EU timetable states the last quarter of 2026, but no exact launch date has been announced. Follow only the official europa.eu ETIAS portal as the date approaches.
- ETIAS is not a Schengen visa.
- It does not authorise work, study or stays longer than 90 days.
- A valid authorisation does not prevent checks at the border.
- ETIAS and EES are separate: a Turkish traveller can be exempt from ETIAS but still be registered in EES.
Application, fee and validity for travellers in scope
Once operational, eligible travellers will apply through the official ETIAS website or app. The announced fee is EUR 20; applicants under 18 or over 70 and certain family members of EU nationals may be exempt from payment.
Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes. A decision can take four days, up to 14 days when extra documents are requested, or up to 30 days when an interview is required. Approval lasts for three years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
What Turkish travellers should actually check
Instead of searching for an ETIAS form, Turkish passport holders should verify the visa or exemption rules for their document, passport validity and the 90/180-day limit. For multi-country trips, submit any visa application to the correct authority according to the main destination and itinerary.
Read the EES guide for the electronic border record and use the first international trip checklist before booking non-refundable travel.
- Confirm your passport type and expiry date.
- Obtain a Schengen visa when travelling on an ordinary Turkish passport.
- Verify purpose and length-of-stay exemptions for special passports.
- Treat EES registration and the 90/180-day calculation separately from ETIAS.
Official sources and next steps
Frequently asked questions
Will Turkish citizens need ETIAS?
No. The EU Delegation to Türkiye says Turkish nationals are outside ETIAS, including Turkish travellers who are visa-exempt with eligible special passports.
Does a Turkish green passport require ETIAS?
No. Existing visa-exempt travel conditions remain relevant, but passport validity, the 90/180-day limit and border requirements still apply.
When will ETIAS start?
As of 14 September 2026, no exact date has been announced. The EU plans a launch in the last quarter of 2026.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The announced fee for eligible adult applicants is EUR 20. Turkish nationals are outside ETIAS and do not pay it.
