ETIAS for Brazilians: What Changes When Traveling to Europe
If you plan to travel to Europe in the coming months, there is a change worth putting on your radar: ETIAS, the European Union's new electronic travel authorization. It has not started yet, but the official forecast is that it will begin operating in the last quarter of 2026, and Brazil is on the list of countries whose citizens will need it.
The exact start date is still expected to be announced by the European Union several months in advance. This guide explains what is known so far and what to do in the meantime.
What is ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area. It is not a visa: it is an online registration completed before the trip and checked automatically.
Brazilians can still travel to Europe without a visa for short stays. What changes is that, once the system is running, you will need an approved authorization before boarding.
When does it start
The European Union states that ETIAS is expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. No start date has been confirmed so far, and the EU is expected to announce the exact day several months ahead. A transition period, with the requirement applied gradually, has also been mentioned. Since these details may change, it is worth following the official portal.
How it is expected to work
- Online application: the form is filled out on the internet, with passport details, personal information, and security and health questions.
- Fast answer: in most cases the review should be automatic and quick, although some applications may take longer.
- Validity: the authorization is expected to be valid for up to 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, for multiple entries on short stays.
- Linked to your passport: the authorization is tied to the passport used in the application. If you get a new passport, you need a new authorization.
Watch the fee and the official website
The fee has been updated over time and sources disagree, so always confirm the current amount on the official European Union portal (travel-europe.europa.eu) when the system opens.
Also be careful with websites that charge to "get your ETIAS for you". The application should only be made through official channels, and commercial intermediaries may add unnecessary fees.
What to do now
✔️ Check your passport validity. It must be valid for the whole trip and meet the minimum validity rules of your destination.
✔️ Follow the official portal of the European Union for the confirmed start date.
✔️ If your trip is before the rule takes effect, nothing should change, but confirm the current rule close to your departure date.
✔️ If your trip is after, add the ETIAS application to your checklist, along with travel insurance and bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Is ETIAS a visa?
No. It is an electronic authorization for travelers who already enter without a visa. Brazilians still do not need a visa for short stays in Europe.
Do I need ETIAS to travel today?
No, the system has not started yet. Check the official website to see whether the requirement has been activated before your trip.
Does it cover all European countries?
It applies to the countries that are part of the system, mainly those in the Schengen Area. Countries outside that list have their own entry rules.
Do I need a new authorization for every trip?
In principle no. The authorization is expected to cover multiple trips during its validity period, as long as the passport is the same.
Travel with peace of mind
Rule changes like this are one more reason to plan your trip ahead of time. Carioca Travels follows the entry requirements of each destination and helps you organize documents, insurance, flights, and accommodation, so paperwork does not get in the way of your trip.
