Are you planning to visit Europe in 2025? In the past, many U.S. travelers did not need to worry about getting a visa before they went abroad. However, a major change to European travel for Americans is being implemented by the European Union (EU) soon that will require you to get a visa to visit 30 European countries.
Similar to how U.S. citizens and green card holders travel to Canada with specific documentation requirements, U.S. travelers will now face new visa regulations for Europe in 2025.
FileRight is dedicated to keeping travelers up to date on the latest travel visa information. We’ll continue to update our website as more information becomes available about ETIAS, who needs a visa to visit Europe, and what American travelers can expect.
What Is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)?
The European Union (EU) is introducing a new electronic system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to bolster security, curb illegal immigration, and safeguard public health within the Schengen Area. ETIAS will serve as a pre-screening mechanism for travelers from countries that are currently exempt from visa requirements.
Under this new system, nationals of visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization prior to their travel to the Schengen Area. The ETIAS will gather advance information about these travelers, allowing for a more thorough assessment of their eligibility to enter the Schengen Area.
What You Need to Know About Getting an ETIAS
To get an ETIAS, you will need to complete an online application form, provide personal information, passport details, your travel itinerary, and answer background questions related to your health, criminal history, and travel to conflict zones.
How Do You Get ETIAS?
- Go to the official ETIAS website (to be launched by the European Union).
- Provide your personal information, including name, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
- Enter your passport details, such as passport number, issue date, and expiration date.
- Provide your contact information, including email address and phone number.
- Answer background questions related to your health, criminal history, and travel to conflict zones.
- Indicate your intended date of arrival in the Schengen Area and the country of first entry.
How Long Is ETIAS Valid?
An approved ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETIAS authorization grants you the ability to enter the Schengen Area multiple times within its validity period. However, it’s important to note that the ETIAS does not alter the existing rules regarding the duration of your stay. You must plan to remain within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
To be eligible for an ETIAS, your passport must have a validity period that extends at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. This requirement ensures that your travel documents remain valid throughout your entire stay and for a sufficient period after your intended exit from the Schengen countries.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
The European Union is planning to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) by November 2023. Once the system is in place, travelers will need to pay a fee of €7 (which is roughly equivalent to $8 USD as of May 2023) for each ETIAS application they submit.
However, there will be some exceptions to this fee. Travelers who are younger than 18 years old or older than 70 years old will not be required to pay the ETIAS fee. Once approved, the ETIAS authorization will remain valid for a period of three years, or until the associated travel document (such as a passport) expires, whichever comes first. This authorization will allow travelers to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity period.
It’s important to keep in mind that the exact cost of the ETIAS may vary slightly based on the current exchange rate between the euro and the US dollar at the time when you apply for the authorization.
How ETIAS Affects Border Control?
Travelers with a valid ETIAS will still need to pass through border control upon arrival in the Schengen Area, where their ETIAS will be checked along with their passport and other required documents.
The implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) aims to simplify the process of entering the Schengen Area while simultaneously strengthening security measures. This new system will have a significant impact on U.S. citizens who plan to visit Europe in the future.
To ensure a hassle-free travel experience, it is crucial for U.S. travelers to understand the ETIAS requirements and familiarize themselves with the application process well in advance of their trip. By staying informed and prepared, American visitors can navigate the new system effectively and enjoy seamless entry into the Schengen Area.
What Countries Are Covered Under ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) applies to the countries that are part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 European nations that have agreed to eliminate passport checks and other forms of border control at their shared borders, allowing for free movement within the area.
The following countries are part of the Schengen Area and will be covered under ETIAS:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland (not an EU member but part of the Schengen Area)
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein (not an EU member but part of the Schengen Area)
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway (not an EU member but part of the Schengen Area)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland (not an EU member but part of the Schengen Area)
When planning a trip to Europe, keep in mind that certain European Union (EU) countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, are not currently part of the Schengen Area. As a result, these countries have their own specific visa and entry requirements that may differ from the ETIAS system.
You should also be aware that the ETIAS authorization will also be necessary if you’re visiting microstates that are effectively part of the Schengen Area, even though they are not officially members. This includes destinations such as Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
Starting in late 2023, when the ETIAS system is projected to be fully operational, U.S. citizens who intend to visit any of the countries covered under the ETIAS framework will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization prior to your departure.
ETIAS Exceptions and Special Cases
While ETIAS will be a mandatory requirement for most visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area, there are some exceptions and special cases to consider:
- Residents of Schengen Area countries who hold a valid passport or national ID card will not need to apply for ETIAS, including citizens of Schengen Area countries and third-country nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member state.
- Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland will not need to apply for ETIAS, regardless of their country of residence.
- Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who hold a valid residence card will also be exempt from ETIAS, even if they are from a visa-exempt third country.
- Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports may be exempt from ETIAS, depending on the specific agreements between their country and the EU. However, it is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit to confirm the entry requirements for your specific passport type.
- Flight crew members and cabin crew members of airlines operating in the Schengen Area will be exempt from ETIAS when on duty. However, they may need to apply for ETIAS if traveling to the Schengen Area for personal reasons.
- Travelers who will be transiting through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area will not need to apply for ETIAS.However, if you plan to leave the airport transit area during your layover, you will need to obtain an ETIAS.
- Children under the age of 18 will need to apply for ETIAS but will not need to pay the application fee. The application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
- If you hold a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen member state, you will not need to apply for ETIAS for the duration of your visa or permit. However, once your long-stay visa or residence permit expires, you will need to obtain an ETIAS for any subsequent short-stay trips to the Schengen Area.
These exceptions and special cases may be subject to change as the ETIAS system is implemented and refined. Always check the latest official information from the European Union and the Schengen member states before your trip to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date entry requirements.
Don’t forget: It’s important to apply for ETIAS at least 72 hours before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. However, it’s a good idea to apply as soon as your travel plans are confirmed to avoid any last-minute issues.
