Over the course of this year, a number of new concepts will become mandatory for all travellers to familiarise themselves with: the new electronic documents ETIAS, EES and ETA, for entry into Europe or the UK.
Below, we explain everything you need to know about travelling to Malaga Airport and the Costa del Sol. And we also have a section for travellers to the UK.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Table of Contents
ETIAS – New mandatory travel document for Europe
Basically, one can say that ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an increased control of border traffic in the Schengen Area.
This means that more than 60 countries currently exempt from visa requirements will need a travel authorisation to enter several European countries.
The ETIAS e-document will allow travel to up to 30 European countries, including Switzerland, Poland, Spain, Germany, Italy or France. Here are all the details:
Countries that will require ETIAS for entry
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, Switzerland.
Who must apply for ETIAS
Non-European citizens from more than 60 visa-exempt countries who want to stay less than 90 days in Europe.
Travellers aged between 18 and 70 from one of the following countries will have to apply for this authorisation before travelling:
Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Macao, Marshall Islands, Israel, Kiribati, Kosovo, Solomon Islands, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
How long is the validity period?
This authorisation is for short stays of up to 90 days. It is valid for three years or until the expiry of the passport used in the application.
Important to note
- Having a travel authorisation only allows you to enter and stay in the territory of European countries that require ETIAS for a short-term stay.
- It does not entitle you to undertake long-term studies or work in these countries.
- Travellers with a valid visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorisation.
- ETIAS is an electronic authorisation, not a visa.
- You must carry a valid ETIAS authorisation with you throughout your stay. The code will always be stored on your mobile phone.
When does it come into force?
The official ETIAS website updated on 10 March 2025 the estimated date when the mandatory document will be activated.
Originally due to be implemented in 2025, it will now be implemented during the last quarter of 2026. ‘For the time being, no action is required from travellers,’ the website says.
Where do I apply and how long does it take?
You can fill in the ETIAS form online via the official website or the mobile application. The application fee is €7. Children under 18 and over 70 are exempt from this fee.
The European authorities recommend making the application before buying flights or booking hotels.
Most applications are processed within minutes. This can take up to 2 weeks or more if the European authorities request additional information or documentation from the applicant.
EES and ETIAS – What is the difference?
More abbreviations in capital letters and obligations for the traveller who just wants to pack his suitcase and get on the plane. Above we have already seen ETIAS, now we will look at EES.
In reality, there is not that much difference, i.e. this system is also designed to increase control of the border flow.
Unlike the ETIAS that travellers from certain countries will need to have, this is a simple ‘digital stamp’. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the manual stamping of travellers from third countries staying for short periods.
- You find more information on the EES on the European Union website
ETA – Electronic travel authorisation for travel to the UK
Similar to the European authorisation, the UK now also requires travellers to apply for an electronic travel authorisation.
Who needs to apply for ETA
- From 2 April 2025, all EU citizens travelling to the UK for short stays (less than six months) for tourism, business or family visits.
- It is also required for transit passengers: Anyone making a stopover in the UK who has to re-check baggage and/or go through border control (landside transit). If in doubt, check with your airline.
- They recommend that you apply for electronic authorisation before purchasing tickets for your journey.
- Remember that it is not a visa. Once granted, an ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to two years or until your passport expires. If you change passports, you will need a new ETA.
Who doesn’t need ETA
- Travellers with a visa for the UK.
- Travellers with permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom.
- If you are a British or Irish citizen
- Travellers with a British Overseas Territories citizen’s passport.
- If you live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
- Travellers making a stopover in the UK who do not have to collect baggage and/or go through border control to continue your journey. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Where do I apply and how long does it take?
ETA applications can be submitted on the UK Government’s website or through the official application. App Store I Google Play
The reply can arrive within minutes or up to 3 working days. The ETA authorisation is digitally linked to the passport, so there will be no other document to show at boarding or border control.
The fee for the document from 9 April 2025 will be £16.
We hope you found this information useful, see you soon, your Malagacar.com team!
;)
Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions about car hire at Malaga Airport;)
The best Beach Clubs on the Costa del Sol;)
The best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Malaga