Update as of September 2024: the launch of the new Visa program has been pushed back from mid-2024 to mid 2025.
According to the Henley Passport Index, the American passport is the eighth most powerful passport. If you hold an American passport, you can enter 184 countries visa-free.
However, this advantage will change soon due to the European Union’s upcoming travel document regulations for American tourists.
The new system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will be launched in mid-2025, and under this system, all visitors, including citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe, will need to apply for travel authorization before their departure. Here’s how the new visa to enter Europe works:
How to navigate ETIAS: fast and straightforward
The ETIAS involves a straightforward online application, and applicants receive approval through email. As it is supposed to be a hassle-free process, it will only require a passport valid for more than 3 months, an email address, a €7 fee per person, and the answers to a few basic questions. This set of information is very similar to the ESTA, already required of European passport holders traveling to the USA.
The stated goal is to have most applicants receive their travel authorization via email within an hour. However, in some cases, further checks may prolong the process for up to 96 hours. Once you receive your travel authentication, you will be able to stay in any of the 30 European countries for 90 days in any 180-day period, and this travel authentication will be valid for three years.
How much will the visa cost?
The application fee is €7 (approximately $7.5) per traveler. Travelers under the age of 18, or over the age of 70 won’t need to pay. Once approved, the authorization is valid for multiple entries over three years or until the traveler’s passport expires.
What countries require an ETIAS?
ETIAS will be a requirement for travel to all EU member countries, including full Schengen members, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), future Schengen members, and European microstates.
This new visa aims to enhance border security and digitally screen and monitor travelers entering and leaving EU countries. It will be similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program used by the US for incoming visitors.
The implementation date for the new travel authorization remains unclear. US passport holders will continue to enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free stay within a 180-day period. Stays longer than 90 days will continue to require a special visa.
Although there may be some confusion during the initial rollout of ETIAS, most believe it won’t deter people from traveling to Europe. People are becoming more accustomed to new travel requirements, partly due to experiences during pandemic travel, which involved submitting test results, health information, and other documents even for visa-free entry countries.
As we always say, if you are planning to join us in the coming year, be sure to book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment!
