Heads Up Non-EU Travelers: What Destination Wedding Couples Need to Know About ETIAS
Coming to Greece for a destination wedding, honeymoon, or to visit the sights? Well, Europe’s new entry rule ETIAS is coming soon, and it might affect your Destination Wedding Travel Plans to Europe if you’re not EU citizen!
Although the exact date is not yet known, starting in the last quarter of 2026, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), as stated on the official EU website.
Planning a European Honeymoon or Destination Wedding? Here’s What You Need to Know About the New Travel Requirement
If you’re dreaming of a romantic European honeymoon or planning a destination wedding in Europe, there’s an important travel update ETIAS, you need to be aware of.
A new entry requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries will be needed for travel to 30 European countries and will affect how you plan and prepare for your special trip.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures for short-term stays in Europe.
It’s similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA and is not a visa. Once approved, an ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can plan ahead, set it and don’t forget it!
Who Needs to Apply?
Travelers from:
- the United States of America
- Canada
- Australia
- Ukraine
- Israel
- Serbia
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
are among the 60 visa-exempt countries who will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization before entering any of the 30 European countries that are part of this system. This includes popular honeymoon and wedding destinations such as France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and Spain among others. For the full list please see the link in the title.
Who Does Not Need to Apply?
- EU citizens
- Citizens of countries requiring a Visa to travel to EU
- Some UK citizens
- Holder of a residence permit issued by any European country requiring ETIAS
- Crew members
- Diplomats
However, there are exemptions. For instance, individuals under 18 or over 70 years of age, as well as certain family members of EU citizens, are exempt from the €7 application fee. Additionally, holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports from countries with specific agreements with the EU may not require an ETIAS authorization. For full details please see the link in the title
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
- a valid passport
- a payment card for the €7 fee
- to provide personal information and travel plans
- to answer security-related questions
Your ETIAS is linked to your travel document. So, make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct and to carry the same document you used in the application. You might not be allowed to cross the border if there will be any mistake or discrepancy.
Most applications are processed within minutes, but it’s recommended to apply at least 96 hours before your departure to account for any potential delays.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding or Honeymoon Plans
If you’re planning a European destination wedding or honeymoon, it’s crucial to factor in the ETIAS requirement into your travel preparations. Ensure that you and your guests who are maybe coming from different countries around the world, are aware of this new authorization to avoid any last-minute travel disruptions.
It’s advisable to monitor official EU communications website for updates on the exact launch date and any additional details.
Secondly, make sure to communicate this important information to your vendors, suppliers, guests or clients traveling to EU from 2026 onwards!
Here are few ways you can use to communicate about the ETIAS:
- Include the information on your wedding website
- Make a FAQ sheet, pdf or page and share it with invitations, RSVPs
- Add it on your RSVPs
- Add it in your wedding newspaper if you plan to hand them out before the wedding
- Make a post, story video or reel on your social media or your wedding Instagram profile pin it, or add in highlights!
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official ETIAS website: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
