Planning · 5 November 2026

Residence permits and dual nationals: are you exempt?

Not every non-EU passport holder falls under EES and ETIAS. These are the main exceptions — and the paperwork to carry.

By Kelly Kap · · 2 min read

EU residence permit holders

If you hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen country, you are generally exempt from EES and will not need ETIAS. Always travel with the permit and your passport, and show both at the border.

Long-stay (D) visa holders

A national long-stay visa also generally exempts you from EES registration and ETIAS for trips within its validity.

Dual nationals

If one of your nationalities is from an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, use that passport or ID card to enter. You are then treated as a European citizen: no EES, no ETIAS.

Family members of EU citizens

Non-EU family members of EU citizens who hold a residence card under EU free movement rules have special rules. They are generally not subject to ETIAS. Check the official EU site for your exact situation.

Microstates

Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican have their own arrangements and are largely exempt.

When in doubt

Rules for special cases are detailed. Our checklist covers the common situations; for anything unusual, the official EU site is the reference.

FAQ

Do I need ETIAS with an EU residence permit?

Generally no. Carry the permit with your passport.

Which passport should a dual national use?

The EU, EEA or Swiss one: then neither EES nor ETIAS applies.

Are family members of EU citizens exempt?

Those holding an EU free-movement residence card generally are not subject to ETIAS. Check the official site.

Does EES or ETIAS apply to you?

Choose your nationality and get your checklist in ten seconds.

Open the checklist

Sources

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