---
title: "What is Electronic travel authorisation? | Benefit Systems"
description: "An electronic travel authorisation is an online pre-clearance for visa-free travellers that has to be in place before departure."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Electronic travel authorisation?

An electronic travel authorisation is an online pre-clearance for visa-free travellers that has to be in place before departure.

Also called: ETIAS, ESTA.

## How it works #

The authorisation is tied to the passport and lasts several years or until the passport expires, but it replaces no visa and guarantees no entry: border officers decide on arrival. Applications go through the official site only; commercial intermediaries charge a markup for the identical service. Validity rules differ by destination.

## Not to be confused with #

An electronic travel authorisation is not the same as a visa: a visa is examined and granted, an authorisation is an automated pre-clearance for nationals who need no visa.

## In German #

The German term is Elektronische Einreisegenehmigung. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/elektronische-einreisegenehmigung)

## Related terms #

- [Schengen 90/180 rule](/en/glossary/schengen-90-180-rule): The Schengen 90/180 rule limits visa-free stays to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen area.
- [Passport validity rule](/en/glossary/passport-validity-rule): A passport validity rule is the requirement of many countries that a passport remain valid for a minimum period beyond departure, often six months.
- [Transit visa](/en/glossary/transit-visa): A transit visa is permission to pass through a country while connecting, even when no stay there is planned.

## Articles that use this term #

- [What is ETIAS and who needs it?](/en/knowledge/etias)
- [How long can you stay in the Schengen area?](/en/knowledge/schengen-90-180)
- [Do you need a transit visa?](/en/knowledge/transit-visas)