Starting in 2024, U.S. travelers will need to apply for authorization to enter the EU Schengen countries through the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS was proposed in 2016 but its rollout has been postponed several times. ETIAS will require U.S. citizens to obtain permission to enter Europe’s Schengen countries. U.S. citizens can currently travel to Schengen countries by presenting a US passport at the border without obtaining prior approval. This is now coming to an end.
Since 2009, the U.S. already has a similar program, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA was mandated by the Recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Act to support its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Travelers who are visa exempt must complete and submit an electronic application every two years and pay a fee. The system vets applicants to determine whether the traveler is authorized to enter the U.S. without a visa. There are currently 40 countries that are eligible to enter the US under the VWP.
After ETIAS is in place, all U.S. citizens (as well as travelers from 60 other countries, including Canada and Mexico) will require pre-approval on ETIAS prior to traveling to any of the Schengen-member countries for short stays.
U.S. citizens will not be allowed to enter any of the Schengen countries without proof of ETIAS approval, which requires payment of a fee and a detailed registration application. The reason for the ETIAS is to better secure and police the borders. The application will include criminal and other security questions and each application will be checked in certain European databases including SLTD (Interpol).
When the ETIAS requirement comes into force next year, the E.U. will provide applications through an official website and mobile app.
In order to apply, travelers will need to provide their passport information or another travel document to which a visa can be affixed.
Parents and legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors in their care.
How long does ETIAS approval last?ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until the passport it is registered to expires, whichever comes first.
How much will an ETIAS application cost?The ETIAS processing fee is set at 7 euros ($7.74), but applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 can apply at no charge.
How long will ETIAS application processing take?
According to the E.U., ETIAS approval should come within minutes for most applicants, but can take up to 30 days. The government encourages travelers to apply well in advance of any trip, and strongly advises travelers to receive their ETIAS approval prior to purchasing flights or booking hotel stays.
Can I be denied entry to a country with a valid ETIAS visa?Yes. According to the E.U., travelers will still be subject to border formalities on arrival and an ETIAS visa is not a guarantee for entry.
The new travel authorization applies to those entering any of the below-listed countries, which includes full EU Schengen Member countries, as well as countries that are European Free Trade Association Members, European Microstates with Open Borders, as well as future Schengen members.
Since 2009, the U.S. already has a similar program, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA was mandated by the Recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Act to support its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Travelers who are visa exempt must complete and submit an electronic application every two years and pay a fee. The system vets applicants to determine whether the traveler is authorized to enter the U.S. without a visa. There are currently 40 countries that are eligible to enter the US under the VWP.
After ETIAS is in place, all U.S. citizens (as well as travelers from 60 other countries, including Canada and Mexico) will require pre-approval on ETIAS prior to traveling to any of the Schengen-member countries for short stays.
U.S. citizens will not be allowed to enter any of the Schengen countries without proof of ETIAS approval, which requires payment of a fee and a detailed registration application. The reason for the ETIAS is to better secure and police the borders. The application will include criminal and other security questions and each application will be checked in certain European databases including SLTD (Interpol).
When the ETIAS requirement comes into force next year, the E.U. will provide applications through an official website and mobile app.
In order to apply, travelers will need to provide their passport information or another travel document to which a visa can be affixed.
Parents and legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors in their care.
How long does ETIAS approval last?ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until the passport it is registered to expires, whichever comes first.
How much will an ETIAS application cost?The ETIAS processing fee is set at 7 euros ($7.74), but applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 can apply at no charge.
How long will ETIAS application processing take?
According to the E.U., ETIAS approval should come within minutes for most applicants, but can take up to 30 days. The government encourages travelers to apply well in advance of any trip, and strongly advises travelers to receive their ETIAS approval prior to purchasing flights or booking hotel stays.
Can I be denied entry to a country with a valid ETIAS visa?Yes. According to the E.U., travelers will still be subject to border formalities on arrival and an ETIAS visa is not a guarantee for entry.
The new travel authorization applies to those entering any of the below-listed countries, which includes full EU Schengen Member countries, as well as countries that are European Free Trade Association Members, European Microstates with Open Borders, as well as future Schengen members.
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
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