In October 2026, Frontex (the EU border agency) and European travel-trade bodies warned of more than 150 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, some using EU symbols. Because no application is processed before launch, any fee paid today buys nothing. When ETIAS opens, apply only on the official EU website or app.
Specific to Israeli citizens
Israeli and EU dual citizens
Many Israelis also hold German, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, French or another EU citizenship. Enter Europe on that EU passport: no ETIAS, no EES and no 90-day limit.
Cyprus is different
Cyprus will require ETIAS, but it is not in the Schengen area: days there are counted separately from your Schengen days, and Cyprus does not use the EES, so your passport is still stamped.
Greece and the islands
Every Greek island is part of the Schengen area. Arriving directly at an island airport means your border check and EES registration happen there.
Beware of paid sites
Many ETIAS search results lead to private sites taking payment today. The official fee will be €20, paid only on the EU website or app once ETIAS opens.
The basics, in short
- Passport issued under 10 years ago, valid 3 months after you leave.
- 90 days in any 180, all Schengen countries together.
- ETIAS at launch: €20, valid 3 years or until the passport expires.
Rollout, decision times and the 30 countries: full ETIAS guide.
Going to France?
Passport, money to show, insurance and hosting rules for Israeli citizens visiting France.
France rules for Israeli citizensFAQ
Do Israelis need ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are accepted (checked 21 October 2026).
I have an Israeli and a Portuguese passport. Which do I use?
Use the Portuguese (EU) passport to enter Europe: you are then outside ETIAS and EES.
Do trips to Cyprus count in my 90 Schengen days?
No. Cyprus counts its 90 days separately and is not part of the Schengen area.
Checked: 21 October 2026, against travel-europe.europa.eu, gov.uk, eur-lex.europa.eu, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu. Rules can change: official sites prevail. No ETIAS start date has been announced; we will not guess one.