August 9, 2023
Planning a European trip next year? If you’re American – your passport isn’t the only think you’ll need.
Whether it’s by plane or cruise – in 2024 Americans will have to pay a small fee and get a special travel authorization to enter all the European Union countries and places like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
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So what is happening?
Well the European Union and other participating countries have all implemented something called the European Travel Information and Authorization System or – ETIAS. ETIAS is meant to not only enhance security but also to make it easier for foreign travelers to pass through different European Union member nations. And if you don’t have it, you will be turned away at the border.
There are different requirements to comply with ETIAS based on the country you’re coming from. So I’m going to focus on the requirements for Americans who want to travel to these participating European countries. Obviously, you have to have a valid passport but as of 2024 you must also obtain an ETIAS if you are traveling on a short term basis to Europe…for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes. Short term is defined as spending less than 90 days in Europe.
To be approved for an ETIAS you must be a full American citizen and provide your full name, place of birth, gender and nationality. You’ll be asked your current or most recent employer details, or your current academic institution where you study, where you intend to travel in the EU and the address of where you’re staying. You’ll be required to provide an email address and a debit or credit card to pay the application fee of seven euros which with today’s conversion rate is about $7.70. EU officials say unless you’re a health or security risk or you’ve provided bogus details, your ETIAS should be approved pretty quickly. But you should apply for it at least four days before you travel.
It’s also important to know – if your passport is going to expire within three months of your travel, you may apply for an ETIAS but there is a high risk you will be turned away at the border when you arrive.
Once you’re approved for an ETIAS, it’s valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. All travelers regardless of their age are required to have an ETIAS but those under 18 or over 70 are exempt from paying the 7 euro fee.
Now – what if you’re not a full American citizen or you’re an American green card holder. Can you still travel to these e-u countries from America without an ETIAS? Yes. But you will be required instead to apply for a full visitor visa even if you’re staying less than 90 days.
Official ETIAS information here.
More about ETIAS for American travelers here.
More about ETIAS here.
