For today’s modern traveler, planning typically starts online. And one platform that many use to help them compare flights and dates is Google Flights. But it’s also important that travelers know what is required of them before they make a booking. One question is rising fast: “Will Google Flights show ETIAS requirements for Europe?”
Not at the moment, as Google Flights primarily focuses on comparing flights and prices. So, it doesn’t necessarily show you border requirements like ETIAS. Although it may provide links to travel advisories, it’s still not a replacement for official entry-requirement systems.
In this guide, we take you through the different information that Google Flights provides (and doesn’t provide) to travelers.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a new pre-travel authorization required for many travelers heading to Europe. Specifically, ETIAS applies to visitors who currently do not need a visa to enter most European countries.
To clarify, it is not a visa. Rather, it is a digital check that screens travelers before departure. You apply online, and the authorization links to your passport.
Notably, when active, ETIAS will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers entering participating European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone and closely associated states.
As of the latest official information, ETIAS goes live in late 2026. It is expected that the exact date will be announced closer to its launch.
Once approved, an ETIAS authorization:
- Is valid for up to three years.
- Covers short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Allows entry for tourism, business, transit, and medical reasons.
Overall, the goal of ETIAS is to strengthen border security and manage travel flows better. Moreover, it screens travelers against EU security databases before they leave home.
What Google Flights Shows
Currently, Google Flights is one of the most popular flight search tools worldwide. Specifically, it shows:
- Flight options
- Prices
- Dates
- Airlines
- Some travel advisories
Google Flights may display simple travel alerts, like health advisories or high-level recommendations. But it does not show detailed entry requirements like ETIAS authorization. In fact, there is no feature that announces “ETIAS required for this flight.” Instead, travelers see basic advisories and general destination info. (Note: This is based on typical user experience and official behavior of the platform.)
Generally, flight tools like Google Flights are built for airfare search and comparison. They connect with booking engines to deliver flight data and ticket prices. Hence, they do not fetch detailed legal entry requirements for every traveler’s nationality.
If Google Flights were to add entry requirements, then it would need constant updates for dozens of national policies. That is a heavy integration that most flight tools do not currently offer.
For now, Google Flights will not replace official immigration or border rule sources.
Why Google Flights Won’t Show ETIAS Requirements
There are a few reasons Google Flights won’t display ETIAS requirements.
- Primary Focus Is Flights, Not Legal Entry Rules
Google Flights is designed to help users find the best flight prices and routes. To clarify, it’s not a travel-requirement database.
- Entry Requirements Depend on Your Nationality
In particular, ETIAS applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries. That means what is true for one traveler may not be true for another. A flight tool would need to know your passport details and nationality to show accurate requirements.
- Entry Rules Can Change Often
Generally, border requirements can change without warning. A flight search tool can add a thousand alerts, but travelers may still miss official updates.
Official government and immigration sites are always more reliable for entry requirements.
What Tools Do Show
If Google Flights doesn’t show ETIAS details, where should you look?
Government & Official Sites
The official ETIAS website is the best source of truth. It lists who must apply, how to apply, and what documents are required.
National travel advisory pages — like those from the U.S. State Department or other governments — also list entry requirements for their citizens.
Airline Check-In Tools
When you check in for a flight, most airlines will ask you about your travel authorizations. So, they may deny boarding if you do not have an ETIAS when required.
This is arguably the most practical way to confirm requirements before departure.
Dedicated Travel Requirement Tools
There are specialized tools like Timatic (used by airlines and travel agents) that show visa and authorization requirements based on nationality and destination. Specifically, these tools provide more precise guidance than general flight search engines.
Google Flights for ETIAS
Google Flights still plays a central role in travel planning. Here’s how you can use it smartly:
- Search Your Flight First
Find the best flight schedule and price using Google Flights.
- Note Your Destination
Once you have your destination, check whether ETIAS applies to that country. Most Western and Central European destinations will require it.
- Visit Official Sources
Go to the official EU ETIAS site and use your nationality and itinerary to confirm requirements.
- Apply Early
Once ETIAS becomes active, apply at least several weeks before departure. While most applications are processed quickly, some could take days if additional review is needed.
- Double-Check Before You Depart
Before your flight, check that your passport and travel authorization are in order. Airlines might deny boarding without it.
Common Travel Myths
Myth 1: Google Flights will automatically show ETIAS info.
Fact: Google Flights does not provide detailed ETIAS requirements for travelers. As such, you must check official sources.
Myth 2: ETIAS is a visa.
Fact: ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. It’s more like the U.S. ESTA.
Myth 3: You can decide at the airport whether to get ETIAS.
Fact: ETIAS must be obtained before travel. Airlines verify this prior to departure.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Google Flights is a powerful tool for finding flights. However, it’s not a reliable source for specialized entry requirements like ETIAS.
ETIAS is a new system designed to improve border security and traveler screening across Europe. It launches in late 2026 and will apply to many travelers who currently do not need visas.
To plan smartly, use Google Flights for airfare and official government sites for entry requirements. That combination keeps your trip smooth and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. travelers need ETIAS?
Yes, U.S. citizens will need ETIAS to enter most European countries once it becomes active.
Why does Google Flights display currency in Euros?
Users must ensure that they set their device’s location and browser settings to their geography and local timezone.
Can I book directly through Google Flights?
To clarify, you can book a flight from Google Flights, but you will be transferred to a third-party provider. The platform’s main purpose is to display flight options and prices.
How are Google Flights and Expedia different?
Google Flights functions more on searching and compiling flight options and prices, while Expedia sells tickets.
Do I need an ETIAS for connecting flights through Europe?
Yes, if your connection involves entering any of the countries requiring the travel authorization, even briefly.
Which countries can use EES?
The EES applies to 29 European countries, which include EU and non-EU countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
What EU countries don’t use the Euro?
The following EU countries don’t use the Euro: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.
Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash
