The way international travelers enter Slovenia and other EU countries is about to change.
The European Union is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a new entry requirement for visitors from visa waiver countries.
At SIBIZ, we work with a wide range of international clients, from entrepreneurs and investors to professionals and families, who regularly travel to Slovenia and the wider EU for business and pleasure.
Here is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to ETIAS and what it means for your future travel to Slovenia and the EU.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is not a visa. Instead, it is a pre-travel authorisation, similar to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ETIAS is designed to:
Strengthen EU border security
Prevent illegal migration
Identify potential threats before they reach European borders
Speed up border control for low-risk travelers
It applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries who wish to enter the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Who Will Need ETIAS?
Once implemented, ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of more than 60 visa-exempt countries. These include:
These travelers currently do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, but will soon need ETIAS approval before boarding a plane, bus or ship to any Schengen country, including Slovenia.
Who Does Not Need ETIAS?
ETIAS does not apply to the following categories:
Citizens of EU and Schengen countries, including Slovenian citizens
Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas from any EU or Schengen country
Citizens of countries that already require a Schengen visa
If you are already a resident of Slovenia, such as a temporary or permanent resident, you do not need ETIAS.
Key Dates: When Will ETIAS Start?
ETIAS has been in development for several years and has faced multiple delays. Here is the official timeline as of August 2025:
October 2024 – The Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to launch. This system will digitally track the movements of non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Zone. It will replace manual passport stamping.
Mid-2026 – ETIAS is expected to go live. Travelers will be able to start applying online.
Late 2026 – ETIAS becomes mandatory. Airlines and border authorities will deny boarding or entry to travelers without ETIAS approval.
Important: The European Commission has not yet announced a precise enforcement date, but we recommend that all travelers begin monitoring updates from mid-2025 onward.
How Will ETIAS Work?
The process will be fully online and should be quick for most applicants. Here’s how it will work.
The Application Process:
Apply through the official ETIAS website (to be launched by the EU)
Fill out a form with:
Personal data (name, date of birth, nationality)
Passport details
Travel information
Health and security declarations
Pay the non-refundable €7 fee
Submit the application
Processing Time:
Most applications will be processed within minutes
Some may take up to 96 hours, or even up to 30 days if additional documentation or security screening is required
Validity:
ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
It allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Traveling to Slovenia with ETIAS
Slovenia is a full member of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS is required for all eligible travelers entering the country for short stays.
Business travel
Tourism and leisure
Medical visits
Transit through Slovenian airports
If you are flying into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, or entering Slovenia by road from Austria, Italy, or Hungary, your ETIAS authorisation will be checked digitally by border police or transport authorities.
Fraud Alert: Watch Out for Fake ETIAS Websites!!
The European Commission has not yet launched the official ETIAS website, but scammers have already set up fake ones.
Many unofficial websites are pretending to offer ETIAS services, charging excessive fees, or attempting to collect personal data for fraudulent purposes.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Use only the official ETIAS website, which will likely end in “.europa.eu”
Do not pay more than the official €7 fee
Avoid any website that:
Charges a higher fee
Promises guaranteed approval
Appears to be a third-party travel agency
Requests information outside the standard application fields
If you are unsure whether a website is legitimate, speak to an official EU source or a trusted immigration advisor. SIBIZ will publish a reminder with the correct link once the official website goes live or check the official site about ETIAS here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
ETIAS vs. Visa: Key Differences
Feature
ETIAS
Schengen Visa
For whom
Visa-exempt travelers
Visa-required travelers
Duration
Short stays up to 90 days
Short or long stays
Application time
Usually within minutes
Up to 15–45 days
Validity
Three years or until passport expiry
Varies (single/multiple entries)
Where to apply
Online (ETIAS site)
Embassy or consulate
Cost
€20
€80+
What Should You Do Now?
Here are steps to take in preparation for ETIAS:
Check your passport – it should be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the EU
Follow official updates from the European Commission or your national authorities
Avoid applying through unofficial ETIAS websites
Inform your staff, clients, or family members who travel frequently to the EU
Contact a trusted advisor if you have any doubts
Why Is ETIAS Being Introduced?
ETIAS is part of the European Union’s broader effort to modernise and strengthen external borders. It will:
Improve security checks on travelers
Help prevent illegal overstays
Detect risks related to health, crime, or terrorism
Provide faster processing for frequent or low-risk travelers
Although some may see it as an extra step, it is intended to improve the safety and efficiency of international travel to and within the EU.
Final Thoughts from SIBIZ
If you are planning to visit Slovenia or any other Schengen country for business, tourism or family visits in the coming years, ETIAS will soon be a required part of your travel preparation.
At SIBIZ, we assist international clients, business professionals, digital nomads and corporate clients with support throughout Slovenia and the EU.
If you have any questions about ETIAS, Slovenian immigration procedures, please feel free to contact our team.
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