Planning a trip to Europe? Whether for vacation, business, medical care, or study visits, there’s a new travel rule you should know about if you hold a Nigerian passport with visa exemptions or residency in a country that enjoys visa-free access to parts of Europe. It’s called ETIAS, and here’s everything you need to know.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a new electronic travel authorization required for people traveling to 30 European countries, even if they do not need a visa to enter.
Important: ETIAS is not a visa. It’s more like a pre-screening system that helps European countries know who is entering before they arrive. This is similar to the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA).
If you are a Nigerian with dual nationality, a residency permit, or citizenship in a visa-exempt countries like the UK, USA, Canada, or Schengen area states, you will likely need an ETIAS to travel to these countries.
When Will ETIAS Begin?
ETIAS is expected to become mandatory by the end of 2026, following the setup of another system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025.
The European Union will give months of notice before ETIAS goes live, so you’ll have time to prepare and apply.
Which Countries Will Require ETIAS?
You'll need an ETIAS to enter the following 30 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Who Needs to Apply for ETIAS?
You need to apply for ETIAS if you:
- Have dual citizenship or residency in countries with visa-free access to Europe (e.g., the UK, Canada, or the U.S.)
- Are traveling to Europe for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, transit, or short studies
- Hold a biometric passport from visa-exempt countries
Note: Nigerians who hold only Nigerian passports will still need a Schengen visa, not ETIAS.
How to Apply for ETIAS
Applying for ETIAS is simple and 100% online:
- Use the official ETIAS website or mobile app
- Cost: €7 (free for travelers under 18, over 70, or family of EU citizens)
- Requirements:
- A valid passport (less than 10 years old and valid for at least 3 months after your stay)
- A payment card
- Personal info, travel plans, and answers to security questions
Most approvals come within minutes, but some may take up to 30 days.
At the Border: What to Expect
Even with an approved ETIAS, you are not guaranteed automatic entry into Europe. Border guards will:
- Verify your passport and ETIAS authorization
- Ask questions about your stay
- Refuse entry if your documents don’t match or if there’s a problem
Tip: Always travel with the same passport you used for your ETIAS application.
Travel Tips for Nigerians Using ETIAS
Before your trip:
- Apply well in advance (don’t wait until the last minute)
- Make sure your passport matches your ETIAS details
- Check if your ETIAS is still valid
- Know your 90 days in 180-day rule
- Confirm your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel date
What if ETIAS is Refused or Revoked?
If your application is:
- Refused: You’ll receive an email explaining why, and you can appeal based on the law of the country that denied it.
- Revoked: If canceled for security or immigration concerns, you can also appeal (unless you requested the revocation yourself).
ETIAS with Limited Validity (Special Cases)
You can apply for a limited ETIAS (valid for specific countries) if:
- You have emergency reasons (medical issues, funerals, legal obligations)
- You suspect your full ETIAS would be refused
This option is not valid across all 30 countries but may help in urgent cases.
Can Someone Apply on Your Behalf?
Yes! You can authorize:
- A trusted person
- A travel agency
Both you and the applicant must sign a declaration of representation.
Beware of scammers, only use official ETIAS platforms and use your own email so you don’t miss important updates.
Summary for Nigerians
Requirement | Nigerian Passport Only | Nigerian + Visa-Free Nationality (UK, US, etc.) |
ETIAS Needed? | No – You need a Schengen Visa | Yes – ETIAS is required |
Where to Apply? | Schengen embassy in Nigeria | ETIAS website or app |
Fee | Varies by country | €7 (many are exempt) |
Entry Validity | Depends on visa | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
Final Word: Be Prepared
If you’re a Nigerian with dual nationality or visa-free access through another passport, ETIAS will be a must starting from late 2026. Get ahead by:
- Keeping your passport valid
- Following travel rule changes
- Using official sources to apply
Europe is ready for you, just be ready for ETIAS!