Starting in May 2025, tourists who wish to enter the European Union with a visa waiver can apply through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a pre-screening program that waives visa requirements. American tourists visiting Europe can benefit from the ETIAS visa waiver.
Previously, Americans only needed a passport to travel to the 30 member states. However, once ETIAS goes into effect, a passport will be required. Without a passport, you will not be able to board a plane. As Europe prepares to implement ETIAS for US citizens, it is important to understand the US Visa Waiver Program and how it allows visitors from eligible countries to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
What is ETIAS?
In 2016, ETIAS was approved as part of a global security effort. Citizens without a visa must obtain an ETIAS travel permit to enter European countries. ETIAS is linked to the traveler’s passport. Travelers arriving in European countries with the European Visa ETIAS will undergo security screening and will be barred from entry for anyone who poses a security risk.
How will ETIAS help the EU?
The main objective of the plan is to improve security within borders and strengthen external border controls.
- Once the programme is operational, EU member states will have the right to carry out pre-entry testing of anyone wishing to enter their territory.
- If necessary, third-country nationals who are exempt from visas entering the Schengen area will be denied permission to travel if they are deemed to pose a threat or risk to the EU.
- Strengthen internal security in each Member State and the region as a whole.
- Stop illegal immigration.
- To minimize public health risks and expedite border crossings, we will identify people who may be at risk in any of these areas before they arrive at our external borders.
US citizens will soon need an ETIAS to enter Europe, but US B1/B2 visa holders should ensure their travel documents are valid before leaving for the US.
Who needs an ETIAS?
You will need an ETIAS EU visa if:
- You are not a European Union citizen.
- You are a national of a country, including the United States, that currently does not require a visa for short-term visits to European Union countries.
- You do not hold a residence permit or card from a European country that requires an ETIAS.
Some travelers may not need an ETIAS travel authorization, so check before applying.
Basics of ETIAS for US Citizens
The ETIAS permit is not a work visa. It is only valid for stays of up to 90 days. The ETIAS information is linked to your passport, so if you need to replace your passport for any reason, you will also need a new ETIAS travel permit. Travel insurance companies will help you recover your lost passport.
Which countries require ETIAS travel authorization for visitors?
The 30 European countries that require the ETIAS travel permit for visa-exempt visitors are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Sweden are some of the countries that make up the European Union.
How do I apply for ETIAS?
The ETIAS visa application process involves the following steps:
1) Check if you are eligible for ETIAS
If your country is not on the list of countries requiring an ETIAS above, you can apply for a regular visa. Since Schengen countries have abolished borders, if your country is in the Schengen area, you do not need an ETIAS to travel within the area.
2) Complete the ETIAS online application form
All applicants must submit a fully completed and filled out application form and must attach to the submission form a declaration certifying that the information and statements provided are accurate, true, complete and reliable.
You will need to fill out the ETIAS application form with your personal details, including your name, nationality, date of birth and country.
3) Pay the ETIAS fee
The visa fee must be paid after completing the ETIAS registration form. The cost of an ETIAS visa is 7 euros, which includes the application fee and other service fees. You can pay the fee online using a valid debit or credit card. ETIAS is free for people under 18 or over 70.
4) ETIAS registration will go through multiple databases
The data you submit will be used to verify your ETIAS enquiry. During this process, your information will be checked for honesty, i.e. truthfulness, accuracy and correctness. If any discrepancies are found, the system will reject your application. It is therefore essential to provide accurate and truthful information when registering.
5) Get your ETIAS
The ETIAS Central System will issue a travel authorization as soon as it has established that there are no concrete indications or reasons to believe that a stay in the territory of a Member State constitutes a safe, illegal immigration or high communicable disease risk. A confirmation will be sent to you by email.
6) Board the ship and reach the EU
Once you receive confirmation that your ETIAS application has been approved, you can visit Europe. Neither the ETIAS nor a visa gives you automatic access to EU borders. Border guards have the final say on whether or not you are allowed entry.
Key Differences Between ESTA and ETIAS
While ETIAS and ESTA have many similarities, there are some key differences between the ESTA and the B Tourist Visa.
- Entitlement and authorization – While the US government grants ESTA travel authorizations to eligible foreign nationals who want to visit the US for short stays, European authorities plan to remove the need for ETIAS visas for citizens of over 50 countries who want to enter the Schengen Area temporarily.
- valid – The ESTA travel authorization is valid for two years from the date of issue, unless the holder’s passport expires. The ETIAS is valid for three years from the date of issue, unless the traveler’s passport expires first, in which case the ETIAS authorization will no longer be valid.
- Minors – All travelers from eligible countries, regardless of age, must apply for ESTA and ETIAS separately.
Please make sure that the information in your passport matches the information on your ETIAS authorization, otherwise entry and boarding will be denied at the border. Our US Visa FAQ section provides detailed answers on how these changes may affect your travel plans, especially in light of the new ETIAS requirements for US citizens travelling to Europe, and what to do if you need a visa to the US.
Frequently Asked Questions about US Visas
1. Why is the EU running the ETIAS program?
In response to irregular immigration, refugee influxes and terrorist acts, EU member states have decided to finalize a system to regulate entry and exit into the region in order to improve security and avoid danger.
2. Does ETIAS apply to EU citizens?
The ETIAS does not cover EU citizens, as the EU has abolished borders between member states.
3. Is the US ESTA and ETIAS the same?
The European ETIAS and the US Electronic Travel Authorisation System are somewhat similar, with the former serving as the basis for the latter, but you cannot enter the US with an ETIAS or the EU with an ESTA.
4. How long does it take to complete an ETIAS application?
The time required to complete the form varies from applicant to applicant, but it should take less than 10 minutes. You will receive a response within 96 hours of submitting your application.
5. How long will the ETIAS be valid?
The ETIAS permit is valid for three years. It allows travel within a participating country for 90 days within any 180 day period. The ETIAS permit must remain valid for the entire duration of the trip to the participating countries.
6. What if my passport has expired but my ETIAS has not?
If your passport expires while your ETIAS is still valid, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS using your new passport.
7. How often can an ETIAS be used to enter the EU?
As long as your passport and ETIAS are valid, you will be able to travel to and from Europe as many times as you like. The only restriction is that you can only stay no more than 60 days in any 180-day period.
8. Do I still need an ETIAS if I have a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa means that you are not eligible for the ETIAS program in your country of origin. Therefore, you will not be eligible to apply for an ETIAS until your country has a visa-free travel agreement with the EU. In the meantime, you will still be able to enter the EU using a Schengen visa.
