ETIAS is coming. Indian passport holders still need a Schengen visa

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is for nationals who can visit Europe without a visa. The European Commission says it is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, and that the EU will confirm the exact date.

Who needs ETIAS

Only visa-free nationals: they will need an ETIAS authorisation before a short stay.

Who does not

Anyone who needs a visa. The Commission names India: a citizen of India travelling for a short stay requires a visa, and therefore does not need an ETIAS authorisation.

So for an Indian passport holder nothing changes in what you apply for. Apply for a Schengen visa, as before. What does change at the border is the Entry/Exit System, which records your fingerprints and photo when you arrive.