Starting in 2024, U.S. passport holders planning to travel to Europe will need to meet a new requirement. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require all visitors, including U.S. citizens, to apply for travel authorization prior to departure.
Previously, Americans could travel to Europe without a visa. However, the new ETIAS authorization will now be a prerequisite for visiting. The application form will be available on the official ETIAS website and a mobile application, with a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication will be conducted via email.
Once approved, the ETIAS authorization will allow visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travelers must possess a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.
The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization well in advance of their planned journey. The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until the travel document used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
It’s important to note that the ETIAS authorization doesn’t guarantee automatic right of entry. Border guards will verify that travelers meet the entry conditions, and anyone who does not meet the conditions will be refused entry.
For more information about the process, visit the European Union’s official website.
