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US Citizens Will Have to Apply for the Visa Waiver ETIAS for Visiting Europe 🇪🇺 🛂
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which was initially scheduled to launch in 2023, was postponed and then set to launch at the start of 2024... but the date was updated once more and is expected to start in 2025. It means US and other non-EU citizens will have to apply for and pay 7 euros (around $7.50 USD) for the visa waiver entry system.Â
Details
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was initially scheduled to launch in 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 was first postponed to 2024, and eventually was further postponed until 2025. As we are approaching the new year, the EU plans to have it operating in the first half of 2025. There is still the question of whether the new rules will truly go into effect/be implemented by mid-year. Read more about what's expected to come.
What is the ETIAS?
European Travel Information and Authorization 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 expires—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, as well as disclosing any past criminal convictions. The rules for the 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 as mentioned above will be 7 euros (≈$7.50 USD), and this will only be required for travelers who are between 18 to 70 years old. Also, family members of EU citizens and non-EU citizens have the right to freely move around the EU, such as EU residents.
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?
We will update the information here once a launch date is publicly announced.