• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
caminoprovisions.com
  • About
  • Prepare & Go
    • Plan
    • Prepare
    • Travel
    • Lodging
    • Safety
  • Gear Demos
  • At Home
  • Camino Moments
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Gear Demos
  • At Home
  • Ponder This
  • Camino Resource Library
  • About
  • Camino Provisions Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe (for Free)
  • Camino Provisions Website Terms of Use
  • Contact
  • Let's Connect!

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » ETIAS Requirements for the Camino

    ETIAS Requirements for the Camino

    02/01/2025 by HelenVW Leave a Comment

    UPDATE: Regarding ETIAS. Announcements in news media led us to think that the ETIAS is starting any moment, when in fact the actual date you will need this is TO BE DETERMINED. When it goes into effect it will be a simple process! This blog now includes two websites as sources for updates about ETIAS and to answer specific questions about your country of citizenship. Check these websites for updates. When it happens it sounds like a simple process! Stay tuned, and check the links below.

    Spanish flag with text about ETIAS; Here is the Spanish flag
    Traveling to Spain in 2025? You Need to Know About ETIAS

    What is ETIAS and How Does it Work?

    ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic travel authorization designed for citizens of visa-exempt countries visiting Europe. Think of it as a quick security check before you arrive, helping strengthen border control and making travel safer for everyone. Learn about the ETIAS requirements before you go to the Camino.

    The good news? The process is entirely online. You fill out an application, pay a small fee (unless you are over 70 or under 18), and get approval within minutes or, at most, a few days. Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

    While ETIAS is a great tool for streamlined travel, it’s important to note that it’s not a visa. It’s meant for short stays, like you might plan for your Camino. While it makes border crossings smoother, the final entry decision always rests with border officials when you arrive.

    Five young men with backpacks walking on the Camino de Santiago
    Pilgrims from the United States on the Camino de Santiago

    Who Needs ETIAS?

    If you’re from a country outside the European Union (EU) and you currently don’t need a visa to visit Europe, you’ll probably need an ETIAS. This includes travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and about 60 other countries. Therefore, this is a requirement if you are going to Spain to walk the Camino, or if you are a tourist.

    (For the latest information, visit ETIAS.com, and https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en.)

    However, if you already require a visa to visit Europe, then ETIAS does not apply to you. This system is specifically for those who previously didn’t need any travel clearance.

    Man and Woman at an airport traveling to the Camino de Santiago in Spain
    Wick and Helen Van Wagenen (@CaminoProvisions) check in at the airport to travel to the Camino.

    Why ETIAS is Beneficial for Travelers

    While any new travel requirement might sound like a hassle, ETIAS actually offers some great benefits:

    • Faster Border Entry – With your ETIAS pre-approved, border checks will be smoother and quicker.
    • One Authorization, Multiple Countries – ETIAS covers multiple European destinations, making it easier for you to explore beyond Spain.
    • Enhanced Security – By screening travelers in advance, ETIAS helps make European travel safer for everyone.

    Which Countries Require ETIAS?

    ETIAS covers a wide range of European countries, including those in the Schengen Area, EU members, and countries associated with the Schengen Agreement. If your Camino journey includes travel beyond Spain, you’ll be able to visit these places with a valid ETIAS. Do you have questions? Check the FAQs here: ETIAS FAQs.

    Final Thoughts

    If you are dreaming about traveling to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2025, don’t let ETIAS stress you out! The application is quick, affordable, and helps make travel safer and smoother.

    So, as you prepare your hiking gear and map out your journey, make sure you check your ETIAS requirements in advance.

    Buen Camino!

    More help planning your Camino

    • Plan Your Camino
    • Find Lodging When the Camino Gets Crowded
    • Camino Difficulty Level
    • Your Travel plans
    « Answering the Call of Nature on the Camino  
    Which Camino Route Is Best for You? »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    man and woman head shot

    Hi we're Helen & Wick. Glad you stopped by. If you are new to the Camino, we can help you prepare for the walk of a lifetime. If you're part of the growing community who want to live a simpler life back home, we've got stories, practical tips, and inspiration to encourage you.

    More about us →

    SUBSCRIBE to get email updates with news and features too good not to share. Plus, you will get password access to our Camino Resource Library of FREE downloadables.

    Yes! Sign me up!

    Popular

    • Helen and Wick in Santiago
      Camino de Santiago Costs
    • couple wearing hiking clothes and backpacks with mountains in background
      Camino Walking Pace, Lodging, ETC.
    • group of men and women pose with monks from San Salvador monastery
      Benedictine Hospitality at Rabanal del Camino
    • group of Camino pilgrims eat on the porch at their albergue
      Ultimate Guide to Eating on the Camino
    Shop Camino Fine Art Photos

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Terms & Policies

    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Policy

    Subscribe

    • SIGN UP for email updates and access to our Camino Resource Library.

    Library

    You can access our Library with the password you receive when you sign up for email updates.

    Go to Resource Library

    Contact Us

    • CONTACT us
    • SHOP My Fine Art Camino Photos

    As Amazon Associates we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Camino Provisions