Europe’s New Travel Rule for Americans Is Coming Soon ✈️

2025: No New Visa, No Problem

Planning a European getaway this year? You’re in the clear. Despite buzz around new travel requirements, U.S. passport holders do not need a visa—or any special authorization—to visit Europe in 2025, provided you’re staying under 90 days in a 180-day period.

The long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been pushed back—again. Originally slated for 2024, then 2025, it’s now set to begin in late 2026, with the EU promising a formal launch date “several months in advance.” Until then, the old rules apply.

What Exactly Is ETIAS?

Think of ETIAS as Europe’s version of the U.S. ESTA: a pre-travel authorization, not a visa. Once it goes live, travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S.) will need to apply online for approval before entering 30 participating countries across Europe.

The process is straightforward:

• Fill out an online form with passport, contact, and travel details

• Answer a few security-related questions

• Pay a small fee (€7, or about $7.50)

• Wait for approval, usually within minutes—though some cases could take a few days

If approved, your ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

Which Countries Will Require ETIAS?

Once implemented, ETIAS will apply to most of mainland Europe, including tourist favorites like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, plus countries in the Schengen area and beyond.

Here’s the full list:

• Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Important note:

• The United Kingdom and Ireland are NOT included—they have separate entry requirements.

• The UK already requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for U.S. visitors, which launched in January 2025.

When Will ETIAS Actually Begin?

According to EU officials, ETIAS can’t begin until the Entry/Exit System (EES)—a new border-tracking database—goes live. EES is expected to launch in October 2025, with ETIAS following roughly six months later, placing its debut in late 2026.

No applications can be submitted before that time, and travelers don’t need to take any action until the system officially opens. Just keep an eye out for announcements from the official ETIAS website—and ignore copycat sites that may try to collect your personal data early.

What Will the Application Require?

Once it launches, here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• A valid passport (not older than 10 years, valid at least 3 months past departure)

• Personal info: name, address, occupation

• Travel details (itinerary, destination country)

• Security questions (criminal background, previous visa denials, etc.)

• €7 fee ($8.25 USD) - Waived for children under 18 and adults over 70)

Applications should be approved in minutes, but allow up to 96 hours just in case. Some travelers may be asked for additional documents or even an interview, which could extend the timeline to 30 days.

What If I’m Studying, Living, or Traveling Long-Term?

ETIAS is for short-term visits only—up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you're planning to study abroad, work, or live in Europe, you’ll still need a national visa or residence permit from the country you're headed to.

However, ETIAS does apply to travelers transiting through ETIAS countries, including children. The only exemptions are:

• Citizens or residents of ETIAS-participating countries

• Family members of EU citizens (under strict definitions)

• Travelers with valid long-term EU visas

What About Travel to the U.K.?

As of January 2025, the U.K. now requires its own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for U.S. travelers. That includes visits to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—even if you’re just transiting.

Applications cost £10 (about $13), rising to £16 (around $21) soon. This process can be completed via the U.K. ETA app or website. The ETA is valid for two years and is linked to your passport. Approval typically comes within hours, but allow at least three business days.

What Travelers Should Do Now

Here’s how to stay ahead of the changes:

• Check your passport now. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months past your travel date and has blank pages.

• Bookmark the official ETIAS and U.K. ETA sites. Don’t use third-party sites for applications.

• Set a travel reminder for 2026. If you're planning a European trip after fall 2026, you’ll likely need to apply for ETIAS.

• Sign up for STEP (the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to get alerts about changes while you’re abroad.

While ETIAS and ETA might sound like red tape, both are designed to streamline border control and enhance security—not to keep travelers out. For most Americans, applying will be a quick online form and a small fee—no visa appointment or embassy visit required.

So, no, you don’t need a visa for Europe in 2025. But come 2026? You’ll just need a few extra clicks.