ETIAS for Indian Travelers in 2025: A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Europe in 2025? You might have heard about the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and wondered what it means for Indian travelers. 

Will you need it? How is it different from a Schengen visa? 

Don’t worry—this guide breaks it all down in simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether you’re a tourist, a dual citizen, or just curious, we’ve got you covered!

What is ETIAS for Indian Travelers 2025?

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a new travel rule starting in 2025. It’s not a visa but an online travel permit for people from countries that don’t need a visa to visit Europe’s Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area includes 29 countries, like France, Germany, and Italy, where you can travel without border checks.

ETIAS aims to make Europe safer by checking travellers before they arrive. It looks at things like security risks or health issues. For Indian travellers, though, it’s not as straightforward—most Indians won’t need ETIAS. Let’s find out why.

Do Indians Need ETIAS to Visit Europe in 2025?

No, most Indian citizens don’t need an ETIAS to visit Europe in 2025. Here’s the key point: ETIAS is only for people from visa-exempt countries—like the USA, Canada, or Australia—who can enter the Schengen Area without a visa. 

India isn’t on that list, so Indian passport holders still need a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days) for tourism, business, or family visits.

But there’s an exception: if you’re an Indian with dual citizenship from a visa-exempt country, you might need ETIAS. For example, if you also hold a US passport and travel with it, ETIAS applies to you. Otherwise, stick to the Schengen visa process.

ETIAS vs Schengen Visa for Indians 2025

It’s easy to mix up ETIAS and a Schengen visa, but they’re different. Here’s how:

Schengen Visa: Indians need this to enter the Schengen Area. You apply at a consulate or embassy, and it takes time, sometimes weeks. It’s for short trips, like vacations or family visits.

ETIAS: This is for visa-exempt travellers. It’s faster—done online in minutes—and costs less. But it doesn’t apply to Indians unless they have a passport from a visa-exempt country.

So, if you only have an Indian passport, you need a Schengen visa, not ETIAS. If you’re a dual citizen with a visa-exempt passport, ETIAS might be your ticket instead.

ETIAS for Indian Dual Citizens in 2025

Are you an Indian with dual citizenship, like an Indian-US or Indian-Canadian passport? Then ETIAS could matter to you. Here’s how it works:

Travelling with your Indian passport: You need a Schengen visa.

Travelling with your visa-exempt passport (like a USA or Canadian passport): You need ETIAS.

For example, if you’re an Indian with a US passport and plan to use it for your European trip in 2025, you must get an ETIAS. The rule is simple: ETIAS links to the passport you use, so pick one and stick to it for your application and travel.

How to Apply for ETIAS from India 2025

If you’re an Indian dual citizen with a visa-exempt passport, applying for ETIAS is easy. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Go to the official ETIAS website: Use the EU’s official portal—watch out for fake sites that charge extra or steal your info.

Fill out the form: Enter your name, passport details, and answer a few security questions.

Pay the fee: It’s €7 (around ₹650) for ages 18-70. Kids under 18 and adults over 70 apply for free.

Submit and wait: Most approvals come in minutes, but some can take up to 30 days if extra checks are needed.

Only visa-exempt passport holders can apply, so Indian passports alone won’t work here. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress!

ETIAS Cost for Indian Travellers 2025

For Indian dual citizens needing ETIAS, the cost is straightforward:

€7 (about ₹650): For travellers aged 18 to 70.

Free: For kids under 18 or adults over 70.

You pay online with a debit or credit card. This fee only applies if you’re using a visa-exempt passport. For Indian passport holders, you’ll pay the Schengen visa fee instead, which varies by country and type.

ETIAS Processing Time for Indians 2025

If you’re applying for ETIAS as a dual citizen, here’s how long it takes:

Most cases: Approved in minutes

Some cases: Up to 30 days if they need to double-check your details.

To be safe, apply at least a month before your trip. Once approved, your ETIAS lasts for 3 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

ETIAS Requirements for Indian Travellers 2025

What do you need to get an ETIAS? If you’re eligible (with a visa-exempt passport), here’s the list:

You’ll also answer questions about your travel history, health, or any past trouble with the law. Be honest—mistakes can delay or cancel your application.

ETIAS and EES for Indian Travellers 2025

Along with ETIAS, Europe is launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025. Here’s what they mean for Indians:

ETIAS: A pre-travel check for visa-exempt travellers. Most Indians won’t need it.

EES: Tracks everyone—visa or visa-exempt—entering and leaving the Schengen Area. It uses biometric data, like fingerprints or photos, at the border.

For Indian travellers with a Schengen visa, EES applies when you arrive or leave, but ETIAS doesn’t. Dual citizens with an ETIAS will deal with both systems.

ETIAS Impact on Indian Tourists 2025

Will ETIAS change travel for Indian tourists in 2025? For most, no. If you’re travelling with an Indian passport, you’ll still need a Schengen visa—ETIAS won’t affect you. But if you’re a dual citizen using a visa-exempt passport, ETIAS is a new step to plan for. Here’s the recap:

Either way, Europe’s still open—just check what you need before you go

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FAQs About ETIAS for Indian Travelers 2025

What is ETIAS for Indian travelers 2025?

ETIAS is an online travel permit for visa-exempt travellers to the Schengen Area. Indians usually need a Schengen visa instead.

Do Indian citizens need ETIAS for Europe 2025?

No, unless you’re a dual citizen with a visa-exempt passport (like the US or Canada).

Is ETIAS a visa for Indian travelers?

No, it’s a travel authorisation, not a visa. Indians need a Schengen visa unless they’re visa-exempt dual citizens.

How long does ETIAS take for Indian applicants?

Most approvals take minutes, but some can take up to 30 days.

Is ETIAS free for Indian children?

Yes, if they’re under 18 and from a visa-exempt country, no fee required.

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Final Thoughts

ETIAS is a big change for European travel in 2025, but for Indian travellers, it’s mostly business as usual with the Schengen visa. 

Dual citizens with visa-exempt passports need to plan for ETIAS, but everyone else can focus on their visa process. Check your passport, know your requirements, and apply early—then enjoy your European adventure worry-free!

For more information related to a Tourist visa or any other visa Call or WhatsApp: +91 859 574 4633 or Email: [email protected]