Heads up for those planning to travel to Europe in 2024! Starting next year, U.S. passport holders will need to apply for travel authorization before boarding that plane. With this new law, U.S. passport holders will need this travel authorization from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). According to NPR, the new measure is to strengthen security around international travel.
Have questions? We’ve got you covered below.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is not a visa, but rather a new travel authorization. It will be required to travel and stay in participating countries short term — up to 90 days within any 180-day period — starting in 2024.
Who will this impact?
ETIAS will impact those who are not an EU national — meaning those without a residence permit/card/document issued by a participating country requiring ETIAS, and those who are visa-exempt nationals from these countries listed here. In short, this affects passport holders from 60 countries who can travel to most European destinations without a visa. This includes American passport holders.
What countries require ETIAS?
30 European countries will require ETIAS for visa-exempt nationals. You can find that full list here.
When will this take effect?
It is expected to fully take effect sometime in 2024. There is no official date yet announced.
What’s the application process?
How do you apply?
Travelers can apply directly online here. Applicants will need to pay a 7 EUR fee — about $7.61 US dollars. (The application is free if the traveler is under 18 or over 70.)
What do you need to apply?
You will need a valid travel document that your ETIAS can be attached to. More specific details can be found here.
How long is your ETIAS valid?
Your ETIAS will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
For more information, please visit the official ETIAS site here.