The strength of a United States passport definitely spoils American travelers.
But that’s about to change ever so slightly in Europe.
From mid-2025, American nationals will need to apply for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) prior to arrival. This ETIAS waiver will be necessary to enter 30 European countries.
What is ETIAS, when will these changes take place, and will it ruin my vacation?
Here’s everything you need to know about the new documentation Americans need to visit Europe.
Need to know: EU new visa for US citizens
Basically, getting your ducks in a row before you travel to Europe could now require an extra step.
What is the new visa scheme for Europe?
In the simplest terms, the EU wants to better control which and how travelers enter its borders. This proposed visa authorization change was decided on by the European Union years ago, but the actual execution of the scheme was delayed.
The EU wants to strengthen its borders from potential threats to its citizens and who could blame them? These threats are of the terror variety, mind you, not things like fashion faux pas Portia made in The White Lotus or the not-so “tres good” linguistic skills of Emily in Emily in Paris.
Image Credit: Getty Images, hxyume
How does the new visa scheme change travel for US citizens?
Right now, you can hop on a plane to Europe and be allowed to enter places like Schengen Zone countries so long as you meet the country’s passport and customs requirements. If this new ETIAS visa program goes live, you’ll need to apply for an additional authorization to travel prior to arrival.
Which European nations will require ETIAS authorization to visit?
This change will impact visa-exempt travelers entering these 30 European countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- 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
Does my ETIAS authorization get me into the UK?
No, the ETIAS authorization waiver is only for the countries listed above. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have their own entry requirements for US travelers.
And to clear up any confusion: The Republic of Ireland (cities including, Dublin, Cork and Limerick) is not part of the United Kingdom, Great Britain, or the Schengen Zone, though it is a member of the European Union and will not require an ETIAS waiver. However, please note Northern Ireland (cities including, Belfast, Derry and Bangor) is a part of the United Kingdom.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Extreme Media
How will travelers apply for ETIAS?
You’ll need to fill out the ETIAS application form on its website or mobile app before you depart for Europe. And by before, we mean weeks before, not while you're waiting to board at your gate.
How long will the ETIAS authorization process take?
The process is super quick, with most applications getting processed in a matter of minutes. But just as train strikes can disrupt your trip, this application process can, too. Some applications may be delayed anywhere between 4 to 30 days if you’re required to present more information or schedule an interview.
Again, plan to get this application processed as soon as you book your travel.
The good news is that, once your application is processed and accepted, it’ll last either until your passport expires or for three years, whichever comes first.
What is the price of the ETIAS?
The price to process an ETIA application is €7 ($8), though some travelers may be exempt from this fee.
Keep in mind that paying the fee and holding a processed application does not guarantee admittance into any country.
Do Americans need a visa for Europe in 2024?
No, American citizens can travel to and through the Schengen Zone countries without a visa until the implementation of the scheme in mid-2025. That makes right now the perfect time to slide a trip to Europe in before you need to add another to-do to your travel list.
Download the Trainline app and let us help you navigate the Schengen Zone and beyond swiftly, safely, and visa-free in 2024.
As of 1/5/2024, this information is current. To find the latest information, please refer to https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Tetra Images
