Everything American pilgrims need to know about ETIAS and UK ETA requirements for walking the Camino in 2026—costs, application process, and timeline.
So you're planning your 2026 Camino and stumbled across something called "ETIAS" whilst researching travel requirements. Don't worry—you're not alone. When I first heard about it, my immediate thought was "great, another hoop to jump through before I can get back on the trail."
After walking the Camino Frances six times, the Portuguese routes (both coastal and inland), the Norte, and the Via Podiensis twice, I've become somewhat of an expert at navigating European travel requirements. And let me tell you, this new system is actually far simpler than it sounds.
Let me break down exactly what you need to know about ETIAS and the UK's ETA if you're walking the Camino in 2026.
Starting in the last quarter of 2026 (the exact date will be announced at least six months in advance), US citizens and travellers from 58 other visa-exempt countries will need to get ETIAS approval before entering any of the 30 European countries in the Schengen Area. That includes Spain, Portugal, and France—so yes, it affects nearly every Camino route.
The good news? It's not a visa. You're not applying for permission to enter Europe; you're simply pre-registering your travel information in a security database. The process is entirely online, costs just €7 (according to the official EU information), and once approved, it's valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
- A valid passport (machine-readable and valid for at least three months beyond your trip)
- An active email address
- A credit or debit card for the €7 fee
- About 10 minutes of your time
The application asks for standard information: your home address, occupation, education level, the first country you plan to visit, and questions about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions. Nothing too invasive.
Most applications are approved within minutes. Some may take up to four days, and in rare cases up to 30 days if additional documentation or an interview is requested. My suggestion? Don't leave it until the week before your flight. Apply at least a month out, just to be safe.
Important: Only use the official website at europa.eu/etias when it launches. There will inevitably be third-party websites charging inflated fees for the same service. Don't fall for it.
And if you're under 18 or over 70, here's some good news—the fee is waived entirely.
But here's my advice: don't rely on the grace period. Get your ETIAS sorted early. The last thing you want is to be standing at check-in with a pack full of Camino gear, only to realize you can't board your flight because the grace period ended and you forgot to apply.
This one's already in effect as of October 2025, with full implementation by April 2026. When you enter Europe, you'll need to have your photo and fingerprints taken at the border. It's similar to what many countries (including the US) already do. The process is quick—usually just a few minutes—but it does add a bit of time to immigration queues.
Go in knowing that your first entry might take slightly longer than you're used to. Plan accordingly, especially if you have a tight connection.
This one's already live, and as of February 25, 2026, it becomes mandatory for US citizens. Miss it, and you won't be able to board your flight to the UK.
The UK ETA costs £16 (about $21), is valid for two years, and allows multiple short stays. You apply through the official UK ETA app or the government website—never through a third-party site.
Most applications are approved within minutes, though the UK government recommends applying up to three business days before travel in case a manual review is needed. Everyone needs one, including babies and children.
One important note: if you're just transiting through a UK airport and won't go through border control, you don't need an ETA. But if you're planning to leave the airport—even for a few hours to grab a proper English breakfast in London before your connecting flight—you'll need one.
1. Apply for ETIAS Before Booking Accommodation
Whilst ETIAS approval is almost always automatic, on the off chance your application requires additional review, you don't want to be in a situation where you've booked non-refundable albergues but can't actually get into Europe.
2. Save a Digital Copy
Once you're approved, save a screenshot or PDF of your ETIAS confirmation email. I also recommend emailing it to yourself so you can access it from any device. Airlines will check your ETIAS status electronically, but having a backup never hurts.
3. Check Your Passport Expiration
ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires. If your passport is set to expire in 2027 but you're walking the Camino in 2026, you might want to renew your passport first so your ETIAS lasts the full three years. That way, if you catch the Camino bug (and trust me, you will), you're all set for future trips.
4. Don't Confuse ETIAS With a Visa
I've already seen forum posts from nervous first-time pilgrims asking if they need to "apply for a visa" for their Camino. You don't. ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. You're still entering Europe visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period—ETIAS just pre-screens your information.
5. Factor in UK ETA if You're Transiting
If you're flying through London (which many pilgrims do, given the flight connections), remember to budget for both the UK ETA (£16) and ETIAS (€7). It's an extra $30 or so, but it beats being denied boarding.
And trust me, trying to sort this out at the airport whilst your flight is boarding is not the kind of pre-Camino stress you want.
Set aside 20 minutes sometime in the next few months, get both sorted, and then you can go back to the fun part of Camino planning—like deciding whether to bring a sleeping bag liner or debating the merits of trekking poles.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the logistics, remember: thousands of pilgrims will be navigating these same requirements in 2026. The My Camino Guide community is here to help answer any questions you have about travel requirements, packing, routes, or anything else Camino-related.
Buen Camino, and see you on the trail.
---
Try asking My Camino Guide:
- What do I need to know about traveling to Spain for the Camino?
- How do I prepare for my first Camino?
- What's the best time of year to walk the Camino Frances?
After walking the Camino Frances six times, the Portuguese routes (both coastal and inland), the Norte, and the Via Podiensis twice, I've become somewhat of an expert at navigating European travel requirements. And let me tell you, this new system is actually far simpler than it sounds.
Let me break down exactly what you need to know about ETIAS and the UK's ETA if you're walking the Camino in 2026.
What Exactly is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. Think of it as Europe's version of the ESTA that Americans already use when flying home from abroad—except this time, it's for entering Europe.Starting in the last quarter of 2026 (the exact date will be announced at least six months in advance), US citizens and travellers from 58 other visa-exempt countries will need to get ETIAS approval before entering any of the 30 European countries in the Schengen Area. That includes Spain, Portugal, and France—so yes, it affects nearly every Camino route.
The good news? It's not a visa. You're not applying for permission to enter Europe; you're simply pre-registering your travel information in a security database. The process is entirely online, costs just €7 (according to the official EU information), and once approved, it's valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
How to Apply for ETIAS
Here's what you'll need to apply:- A valid passport (machine-readable and valid for at least three months beyond your trip)
- An active email address
- A credit or debit card for the €7 fee
- About 10 minutes of your time
The application asks for standard information: your home address, occupation, education level, the first country you plan to visit, and questions about past travel to conflict zones or criminal convictions. Nothing too invasive.
Most applications are approved within minutes. Some may take up to four days, and in rare cases up to 30 days if additional documentation or an interview is requested. My suggestion? Don't leave it until the week before your flight. Apply at least a month out, just to be safe.
Important: Only use the official website at europa.eu/etias when it launches. There will inevitably be third-party websites charging inflated fees for the same service. Don't fall for it.
And if you're under 18 or over 70, here's some good news—the fee is waived entirely.
The Six-Month Grace Period
When ETIAS first launches, there will be a six-month transitional period. During those first six months, you can still enter Europe without ETIAS as long as you meet all other entry requirements (valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, etc.).But here's my advice: don't rely on the grace period. Get your ETIAS sorted early. The last thing you want is to be standing at check-in with a pack full of Camino gear, only to realize you can't board your flight because the grace period ended and you forgot to apply.
Don't Forget the Entry/Exit System (EES)
Whilst we're talking about new travel requirements, there's another system you should know about: the Entry/Exit System, or EES.This one's already in effect as of October 2025, with full implementation by April 2026. When you enter Europe, you'll need to have your photo and fingerprints taken at the border. It's similar to what many countries (including the US) already do. The process is quick—usually just a few minutes—but it does add a bit of time to immigration queues.
Go in knowing that your first entry might take slightly longer than you're used to. Plan accordingly, especially if you have a tight connection.
What About the UK?
If your Camino plans include flying through London or walking any of the routes that start in the UK, there's another authorization you'll need: the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).This one's already live, and as of February 25, 2026, it becomes mandatory for US citizens. Miss it, and you won't be able to board your flight to the UK.
The UK ETA costs £16 (about $21), is valid for two years, and allows multiple short stays. You apply through the official UK ETA app or the government website—never through a third-party site.
Most applications are approved within minutes, though the UK government recommends applying up to three business days before travel in case a manual review is needed. Everyone needs one, including babies and children.
One important note: if you're just transiting through a UK airport and won't go through border control, you don't need an ETA. But if you're planning to leave the airport—even for a few hours to grab a proper English breakfast in London before your connecting flight—you'll need one.
My Camino-Specific Tips
Here's what I would highly suggest based on my experience:1. Apply for ETIAS Before Booking Accommodation
Whilst ETIAS approval is almost always automatic, on the off chance your application requires additional review, you don't want to be in a situation where you've booked non-refundable albergues but can't actually get into Europe.
2. Save a Digital Copy
Once you're approved, save a screenshot or PDF of your ETIAS confirmation email. I also recommend emailing it to yourself so you can access it from any device. Airlines will check your ETIAS status electronically, but having a backup never hurts.
3. Check Your Passport Expiration
ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires. If your passport is set to expire in 2027 but you're walking the Camino in 2026, you might want to renew your passport first so your ETIAS lasts the full three years. That way, if you catch the Camino bug (and trust me, you will), you're all set for future trips.
4. Don't Confuse ETIAS With a Visa
I've already seen forum posts from nervous first-time pilgrims asking if they need to "apply for a visa" for their Camino. You don't. ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. You're still entering Europe visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period—ETIAS just pre-screens your information.
5. Factor in UK ETA if You're Transiting
If you're flying through London (which many pilgrims do, given the flight connections), remember to budget for both the UK ETA (£16) and ETIAS (€7). It's an extra $30 or so, but it beats being denied boarding.
What Happens if You Don't Get ETIAS?
Simple: you won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines will check your ETIAS status at check-in, and without it, you're not getting on the plane.And trust me, trying to sort this out at the airport whilst your flight is boarding is not the kind of pre-Camino stress you want.
The Bottom Line
Look, I get it. These new systems feel like bureaucratic nonsense when all you want to do is walk across Spain with a pack on your back and a bocadillo in your hand. But ETIAS and the UK ETA are both quick, affordable, and straightforward.Set aside 20 minutes sometime in the next few months, get both sorted, and then you can go back to the fun part of Camino planning—like deciding whether to bring a sleeping bag liner or debating the merits of trekking poles.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the logistics, remember: thousands of pilgrims will be navigating these same requirements in 2026. The My Camino Guide community is here to help answer any questions you have about travel requirements, packing, routes, or anything else Camino-related.
Buen Camino, and see you on the trail.
---
Try asking My Camino Guide:
- What do I need to know about traveling to Spain for the Camino?
- How do I prepare for my first Camino?
- What's the best time of year to walk the Camino Frances?
