ETIAS to become operational in 2026: dual nationals residing abroad to need valid EU passport

Travelling to the territory of the European Union will change when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes operational in late 2026. The change will also affect people with dual nationality.

In the future, non-EU or non-Schengen nationals from visa-exempt countries will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen area. This new applicable EU regulation will also oblige transport operators, such as airlines, to check that passengers have a valid EU passport or ETIAS travel authorisation. Operators will not transport passengers who do not have a travel authorisation.

EU citizens, including people with dual nationality, will not be able to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Dual nationals will thus have to make sure that their EU passport is valid. This is to ensure unhindered travel to the territory of the European Union.

The introduction of the ETIAS system will not affect those Finnish citizens who only have Finnish citizenship.

Make sure that your EU passport is valid. You can apply for a Finnish passport at our missions abroad or from the Police when you are in Finland. You must submit the application in person. More detailed instructions on how to apply for a passport are available on the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

In spring 2025, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government decided to extend the maximum validity for Finnish passports. This will require legislative amendments and technical changes to the system, and they will not likely be ready before ETIAS becomes operational. If your current passport is expiring soon, we recommend that you apply for a new one without delay.

More information on the ETIAS system is available on the official website of the European Union at ETIAS – European Union (på engelska).

A mention of the Schengen Area has been added at the beginning on June 25.