08/07/2023
BIG NEWS FOR TRAVELLERS: In 2024, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System and pay a small fee to visit Europe.
ETIAS is set to launch sometime in 2024, though the launch date has been pushed back many times (and could be again). In fact, the region has talked about instituting the program since 2016.
The new program will require travelers from countries outside the Schengen Area of Europe to fill out an application before arrival and pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8 or 6 British pounds) to enter any European Union or Schengen Area country.
What does this mean for future trips to Europe? Here's everything you need to know about the new ETIAS program.
What is the ETIAS 'visa'?
ETIAS logo
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ETIAS is a visa-waiver program similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used in the U.S. for European visitors.
The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 63 countries outside the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom and the U.S., to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa.
ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes.
Why is the region rolling this program out?
"We need to know who is crossing our borders," Jean-Claude Juncker, former European Commission president, said. "This way, we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here."
Is ETIAS a visa?
ETIAS is not a traditional European visa and will only require a seemingly quick online application.
You'll fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans and history and answer a few security questions. The authorities promise that most applicants will be approved within an hour. However, if your application is flagged, it could take up to four days.
Which countries will require ETIAS?
Quite a few nations will require ETIAS approval. They include full Schengen members that previously didn't require any authorization for Americans, such as Spain, France and Italy.
Also included are European Free Trade Association nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
Several future Schengen member nations, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, and smaller territories like Andorra and Monaco will also require ETIAS.
Here is the full list of counties that will require ETIAS:
· Andorra
· Austria
· Belgium
· Bulgaria
· Czech Republic
· Cyprus
· Denmark
· Estonia
· Finland
· France
· Germany
· Greece
· Hungary
· Iceland
· Italy
· Latvia
· Liechtenstein
· Lithuania
· Luxembourg
· Malta
· Monaco
· The Netherlands
· Norway
· Poland
· Portugal
· Slovakia
· Slovenia
· Spain
· Sweden
· Switzerland
Do American and UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?
American citizens (and those from the 62 other non-European Union countries that are not currently required to apply for visas — including the U.K.) will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days. This includes transit passengers.
If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS will cost 7 euros (about $8 or 6 British pounds) for a three-year permit that allows "third-country nationals" to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Only visitors between 18 and 70 will need to pay the application fee, but all ages will need ETIAS authorization to enter.
How do you apply for ETIAS?
