01/05/2025
Starting in January 2025, when the U.K. will require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visitors from countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The European Union is right behind them, with plans to introduce its own visa waiver document called an ETIAS for visitors, including U.S. citizens, sometime in mid-2025. (The two processes are different, as the U.K. officially left the European Union in 2020.)
The good news is that the online process for obtaining permission to travel to these areas should be fairly simple — and speedy.
Starting sometime in mid-2025, U.S. citizens visiting 30 European countries (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, etc.) will need to apply online for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This new requirement will include any children who are traveling and will also apply to travelers who are transiting through these countries.
There is no firm date for ETIAS travel authorizations coming into effect, and applications aren’t open.
After applying online, you’ll receive an email confirming your ETIAS travel authorization has been successful. This authorization will then be digitally linked to the passport you applied with and will last for three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
