The passport game has changed radically in the last decade.
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Many of the changes are due to a switch from analog passports to digitized passports. Not all borders and customs agents rely on stamps and manual checks. Many also use digital chips inside passports to verify immigration and tourist information, such as when they entered the country.
If you’ve gotten stuck at customs while entering or exiting Europe recently, it was due to this transition. The European Union and Schengen countries are now using a fully digitized entry-exit system to prevent guests from overstaying their allotted time.
In short, it marks a shift toward a more digitized form of travel. And, to help streamline new operations, many countries are launching electronic travel authorizations or ETAs. The UK, for example, just made its ETA system mandatory this year. Other countries, like Australia, have had them for decades. In fact, it was the first to do so globally when it launched its ETA system back in 1996.
This evolving world of electronic travel authorizations has added a new layer to international trip-planning—meaning you now need to figure out which countries require Americans to file for ETAs, along with how long the wait is.
Here’s your shortcut to figuring out which countries require ETAs and how long they will take to receive.
How long does it take to get an electronic authorization? Country by country
ETAs or electronic travel authorizations are designed to make it easy for customs authorities to monitor when and how travelers move across borders. The application process (more on this below) is usually very straightforward, meaning it won’t take you long to fill them out.
Instead, your main focus should be giving authorities enough time to approve or deny your ETA. The vast majority will be approved—it’s just a matter of timing. Below, you can find the most popular destinations that require Americans to apply and receive an ETA, along with the standard wait times.
- UK: Most applications are approved in minutes, but could take up to three working days
- Australia: Most applications are approved in minutes, but could take between one and three working days to process
- New Zealand: Most applications are approved within ten minutes but delays can take up to three working days
- South Korea: Most applications are approved within thirty minutes, but give yourself up to three working days to receive a response
- Vietnam: You can receive a visa upon arrival in Vietnam, but it costs more. If you apply online, you should receive an approval within three working days
- Thailand: Most applications are approved within one hour, but could take up to 24 hours to process in some cases
- Brazil: Brazil requires an eVisa, not an ETA, which is usually approved within one to two business days. However, delays can stretch up to ten days, so give yourself plenty of time when applying
- European Union & Schengen: Europe’s planned ETIAS authorizations are expected to launch later this year. Most will be approved within the hour, but delays could stretch up to three days, as with many other ETAs
Other important things to know about applying for ETAs or electronic authorizations
Here’s the complicated thing about ETAs: some countries have them, but don’t enforce them. That’s the case with many airports in Mexico, which may or may not collect FMM forms from visiting foreigners. On top of that, some ETAs are actually visas, as is the case with Brazil.
As ETAs become more diverse and prevalent, here’s a simple roadmap to help you. As you plan your next trip abroad, follow these steps:
- Double-check whether or not you need an ETA or visa to visit your destination. Many are launching in the coming years, with the European Union’s ETIAS set to go live in late 2026.
- Take a look at the form, whether or not you’re ready to fill it out. That way, you can gather the necessary information before applying. You should also look for information on how to apply for someone else, in case you’re surprising a loved one or want to bring a dependent.
- Take another look at when the ETA or visa starts. Some are active the moment they’re approved, while others don’t start until your first day of travel. In the case of the former, you need to time your application to line up with your arrival.
- Avoid ETAs on arrival or visa on arrival offers. They’re usually more expensive and also prone to hiccups. You don’t want to be stuck at the airport with fifty other foreigners who thought to quickly apply after landing.
