08/10/2023
U.S. Citizen? You’re About To Need A Visa To Enter Europe
If a travel to Europe is in the cards for 2024, you should be aware of a new requirement that will go into effect for U.S. passport holders soon.
If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will soon need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, before visiting.
As we mentioned in last week’s newsletter about the most powerful passports in the world, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index. And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own–Singapore took top prize– that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.
The application form, which will be available online on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.
Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.
According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within mere minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation. What this means is you should plan ahead–the EU encourages travelers to get on this pesky paperwork “well in advance of [their] planned journey."
ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.
