New Travel Authorization for EU Visitors
UPDATE: October 2023 - The European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS) will now go into effect in the spring of 2025, the EU confirmed.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is coming in 2024. The European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. However, the EU is wanting to strengthen its border security as well as digitally screen and track travelers entering and leaving EU countries. ETIAS is not a visa, and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
ETIAS for American Citizens
ETIAS Eligibility
The United States of America will be a launch member of the ETIAS
American citizens will be eligible to apply for ETIAS in 2024
American citizens will benefit from a using an online application system to apply for ETIAS
Other ETIAS Requirements
American citizens can apply for ETIAS online
ETIAS is valid for arrival to Europe by air, sea or overland
Travelers must have an e-passport that is machine readable
ETIAS is for short tourist, business, transit and medical visits
Applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will receive their ETIAS free of charge
American citizens will be required to apply for an ETIAS to enter participating European countries on a short term basis, under 90 days, for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes.
In the year 2024, citizens from the United States of America will be required to complete an ETIAS application prior to boarding an aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle for Europe, and this includes travelers who will only be transiting in Europe en route to other destinations.
Any American citizen that wishes to enter Europe for over 90 days, or for other purposes than those allowed under the ETIAS program will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Further details can be found by visiting https://etias.com/ and using the homepage assessment.
It is advised that American citizens complete their ETIAS application 96 hours prior to their departure date. Full details can be found by visiting the ETIAS requirements page or the ETIAS FAQ's.
American citizens can expect their ETIAS application to normally be processed and approved within minutes, and the authorization is sent by email in the form of a PDF document. There is no need to print or present any documents as the ETIAS is stored electronically against the passport details stored in the European Immigration system.
For more information go to https://etias.com/
Note: This article has been sourced and adapted from the ETIAS website.
