Before booking your trips to Europe, the European Travel Information and Authorization System is requiring all U.S. passport holders to apply for authorization through the (ETIAS) before their visit. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes:
Starting in 2024, 30 European countries will require United States passport holders to get pre-approved prior to entry.
Following the United State’s own Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), ETIAS aims to improve traveler safety, security and facilitate seamless entry for travelers. The present convenience of visa-free access will change once this new law goes into effect at the beginning of the new year.
Serving as an electronic travel authorizations, ETIAS is linked to a traveler’s passport which gives access to short-term entry to European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. While this promises a smooth and orderly experience, an ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry. Upon a traveler’s arrival, a border guard will verify if you meet the required entry conditions.
Leaving and re-entry is permitted as long as you respect the 90-day stay limit within 180 days but to reap all the benefits during your European travels, it’s crucial to remember that you must have a valid ETIAS for the entire duration of your stay.
Visit the official ETIAS website or use the upcoming mobile app to fill out the application for an ETIAS. The estimated cost of applying is currently set at under $10 but some travelers may be exempt from paying this fee. Once the application is approved, an ETIAS travel authorization is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires dependent on which of these expires first.
Enjoy your 2024 trip to Europe!
Always blue skies ✈️
