ETIAS 2026: What German Employers Need to Know About Visa-Free Business Travelers

Scheduled to go in to affect later this year, non-EU nationals, who are visa-exempt to enter Germany for short stays, will now face a new pre-travel requirement. A short stay is defined as a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Non-EU nationals from over 50 countries can currently enter Germany without a visa. This will continue to be the case. As of the fourth quarter of 2026, visa-exempt travelers will generally need a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization before traveling to Germany and other Schengen countries. Anyone, who already holds a valid visa, will likely not need an ETIAS

ETIAS Applicants will pay a service fee of 20€ per application or person. The authorization is generally valid for 3 years, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. Travelers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee. Additional fees may apply if applications are submitted via an intermediary/third-party service.

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization for travelers who do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area.

ETIAS is not a visa and does not change the existing 90-day visa-free allowance. Instead, eligible travelers will need to obtain authorization before starting their journey.

What does this mean for German employers?

Companies that regularly invite employees, business partners, applicants or other visitors should be aware of the following:

ETIAS will need to be obtained before travel once the system becomes operational.
The 90/180-day rule remains unchanged. Time spent in Germany and other Schengen countries counts toward the same limit.
ETIAS does not provide work authorization. A travel authorization should not be confused with permission to work or take up employment in Germany.
The purpose of the trip still matters. Employers should continue to check whether planned activities fall within permitted short-term business travel or whether a visa and/or residence and work authorization is required.
Travel procedures should be updated. HR and Global Mobility teams should include ETIAS in their international travel and onboarding checklists once the system goes live.

What should employers do now?

There is no need to apply for an ETIAS yet. The EU currently expects ETIAS to become operational in Q4 2026, with the exact start date to be announced.

Employers can nevertheless prepare now by reviewing their international travel procedures and ensuring that employees understand the difference between visa-free travel, ETIAS and work authorization.

For companies regularly bringing international employees to Germany, getting the correct immigration assessment before the journey begins can help avoid unnecessary delays and problems at the border.

Need support with international employees?

At Local Worldwide Relocation, we support German employers with the immigration and relocation process for international employees — from short-term assignments and business travel questions to residence permits and long-term relocations.