Update as of September 2024: The launch of the new Visa program has been postponed from mid-2024 to mid-2025.
According to the Henley Passport Index, the American passport ranks as the eighth most powerful passport in the world. With an American passport, you can enter 184 countries without needing a visa.
However, this privilege will soon change due to the European Union’s new travel document regulations for American tourists.
The upcoming system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), is set to launch in mid-2025. Under this new regulation, all travelers, including those from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—who currently benefit from visa-free access to Europe—will need to apply for travel authorization before they depart. Here’s how the new system will work:
How to Navigate ETIAS: Simple and Easy
The ETIAS process involves a simple online application, with applicants receiving approval via email. It is designed to be a hassle-free experience, requiring just a passport valid for more than three months, an email address, a €7 fee per person, and answers to a few basic questions. This information is quite similar to what is required for the ESTA, which European passport holders must complete when traveling to the USA.
The goal is for most applicants to receive their travel authorization via email within an hour. However, in some cases, additional checks may extend the processing time up to 96 hours. Once you receive your travel authorization, you can stay in any of the 30 European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This authorization will remain valid for three years.
What Will the Visa Cost?
The application fee is €7 (approximately $7.50) per traveler. Travelers who are under the age of 18 or over 70 will not have to pay this fee. Once approved, the authorization allows for multiple entries over a period of three years or until the traveler’s passport expires.
Which Countries Will Require an ETIAS?
The ETIAS will be required for travel to all EU member countries, including all Schengen member states, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), new Schengen members, and European microstates.
This new visa initiative aims to enhance border security by digitally screening and monitoring travelers entering and leaving EU countries. It operates similarly to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that the US uses for incoming visitors.
The specific date for the implementation of this new travel authorization is still unclear. US passport holders will continue to enjoy visa-free travel for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays exceeding 90 days, a special visa will still be required.
While there may be some initial confusion during the rollout of ETIAS, most experts believe it will not discourage people from traveling to Europe. Travelers are becoming more accustomed to new requirements, especially due to experiences during the pandemic that involved submitting health documentation and other paperwork for visa-free entry.
As always, if you plan to join us in the coming year, be sure to book your tours in advance to avoid disappointment!
