New entry rules for travel to Europe will take effect sometime in 2024 and apply to most travelers— including American and Canadian citizens— who previously were visa-exempt. The exact effective date has not yet been announced.
** Update 26 Oct 2023: Officials formally announced on Friday that implementation of ETIAS will be delayed until Spring 2025. Click here for official updates.
ETIAS Travel Authorization
Technically, visa-exempt travelers still won’t need a visa (as long as they’re in Europe fewer than 90 days in a 180-day period). However, in most cases they will need a travel authorization from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS. The ETIAS travel authorization will be required for entry into 30+ European countries, listed here.
Required for All Travelers
Each traveler, regardless of age, will be required to register online for the authorization prior to arrival. Applicants will need a passport, email address, and credit or debit card to request an authorization. Travelers will answer a series of questions and, if approved, receive by email a travel authorization linked to their passport number.
The authorization is valid for three years or until the associated passport expires or is replaced— whichever comes first. If denied a travel authorization, travelers may appeal the decision or apply for an actual visa.
Plan Ahead
Processing times for a travel authorization are estimated to range from 4 days to 4 weeks. Be sure to plan ahead. Travelers aged 18-70 must pay a 7 Euro fee using a credit or debit card. Travelers outside that age range are required to obtain the authorization but exempt from the fee.
Note that a valid ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee entry into Europe. Border officials still can turn away visitors if they fail to meet other travel requirements. However, once ETIAS is in full force, travelers without a valid travel authorization will be denied entry into any of the 30+ participating nations.
There are many exceptions and special circumstances under the new program, so be sure to click here for more details.
Need ideas for your trip to Europe? Check out the best things to do in Madrid and five unusual sites to see in Berlin. Consider watching a criminal trial in London or dining with a Dutch family in Amsterdam. And throughout Europe, watch for brass cobblestones at your feet— their important meaning is explained here.
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