The ETIAS Entry System for Europe Has Been Pushed Back a Year 🇪🇺 🛂
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which was initially scheduled to launch in 2023, has now been postponed until the following year. Meaning US and other Non-EU citizens will not have to apply for and pay the 7 euro (around $7.50 USD) for the visa waiver entry system until 2024. Learn more about what this means for Non-EU travelers and the expected requirements to come about in 2024, below.
Details
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was initially scheduled to launch this year (2023), in efforts to strengthen borders around the European Union's (EU) Schengen Zone, making it an extra step that Non-EU nationals, including US and Canadian citizens, would have to take to enter countries a part of the Schengen agreement. However, the requirement for an ETIAS visa waiver has been postponed, according to the ETIAS website, with new plans to launch the following year in 2024. Read more about what's expected to come and why the delay has been implemented below.
What is the ETIAS?
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is a new entry visa waiver program that is expected to strengthen security in the EU. Currently, the US offers a similar program called the ESTA to EU, UK, and other close allied nationals to enter the country. The ETIAS will cost roughly 7 euros (≈$7.50 USD) and will be valid for three years or until a passport expiration—meaning there is no need to reapply after the first visit.
What's Required for the ETIAS?
Travelers to the European Union will be required to fill in a form with basic information about their upcoming stay. The rules for amount of time spent in the EU will remain exactly the same as they are now, at an allowance of 90 days in the EU for every 180 days for US passport-holding tourists. The cost like mentioned above will be 7 euros (≈$7.50 USD), and this will only be required for travelers who are 18 or older.
What Countries Will Require This?
European Union countries and territories:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City
When Will the ETIAS System Come into Effect?
Now being postponed to launch in 2024, there is no confirmed date at the moment. However, as always, we will update information here once a launch date is publicly announced.