Official ETIAS website vs third-party agencies
Status as of 2026-10-25: ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date "several months prior to its launch."
The official channels
The EU states you can apply "using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application" (Official: What is ETIAS). The official website is travel-europe.europa.eu. There is no other official ETIAS domain.
Third-party agencies
The official rules allow someone else to submit an application on your behalf; that person must give their details and confirm a signed declaration of representation (Official: What you need to apply). Commercial agencies use this to sell "assisted" applications.
| Official site / app | Third-party agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | EUR 20 (free under 18 / over 70) | EUR 20 plus their service fee |
| Can submit today? | No, not open | No, ETIAS is not open; anything "submitted" now is only held by them |
| Your data | Handled under EU data protection rules | Also stored by a private company |
| Faster approval? | Most decisions within minutes | No; the decision is made by the same official system |
Do you need an agency?
For most travellers, no. The form asks for passport details, personal and contact information, education and occupation, trip details, and background questions (Official: What you need to apply). A family member can apply for you for free (beyond the official fee).
Sources
More guides
- ETIAS fee: why it is EUR 20 and who does not pay
- Do UK citizens need ETIAS after Brexit?
- Do Americans need ETIAS? ETIAS for US citizens
- Is ETIAS live yet? ETIAS launch date tracker
- ETIAS requirements: documents and information checklist
- ETIAS scam sites: how to spot a fake ETIAS website
- How long does ETIAS take and how long is it valid?
- ETIAS vs EES: what is the difference?
- Who needs ETIAS? Countries, travellers and exemptions