If you are an American citizen planning a trip to Europe in 2025, add the new ETIAS travel authorization form to your travel checklist.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System and is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
The new rule requires visitors from visa-exempt countries (like the United States) to obtain travel authorization before entering 30 European countries.
In the past, most Americans only needed their passports to enter Europe, but not anymore. Now, you must have the ETIAS travel pass to enter over 30 European countries.
The document will cost around $8 for travelers aged 18-70. It is free for anyone under 18 or over 70. Your ETIAS document is good for three consecutive years from the origination date.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS improves security in Europe by requiring travelers to undergo an advanced security screening before arriving.
ETIAS applies to travelers in over 59 countries, including the United States and Canada, who plan to stay in Europe for 90 days or less.
What European Countries Require ETIAS?
Thirty European countries will require ETIAS. These countries are:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Hungary
Iceland
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Who Needs ETIAS Approval?
You will need to complete the ETIAS process if:
- You are not a European Union national
- You’re a citizen of any country, including the U.S.A., whose nationals don’t currently need a visa for a short-term stay in a European Union country.
- You don’t have a residence permit or card issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
What is the ETIAS Application Process?
The application process is said to be pretty straightforward. Travelers will submit their application online through a secure website.
The application will ask questions such as your date of birth, name, passport details, occupation, criminal history, travel plans, etc.
You must also include your entry point to obtain your flight information for your initial European destination. However, you can amend your plans to 30 European countries once you approve.
The application fee is approximately $8. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you depart from Europe, and the issue date must be no more than ten years old.
Although children under 18 will not be charged a fee, they still need their own ETIAS application, so be sure to apply for one for EVERY TRAVELER.
It is recommended that you apply well in advance. Although the application process is said to be quick, it could take up to 30 days for approval.
You will receive an email once your application has been approved. This approval is good for three consecutive years and can be used repeatedly.
It is important to note that your ETIAS approval is linked to your passport. If you change passports for any reason during your three-year approval timeline, you must reapply for ETIAS.
How Do You Apply for ETIAS?
You can apply for ETIAS on the ETIAS website once the application becomes available.
When ready to apply, be sure you have gathered the needed documents. These include:
- A valid passport
- Email address
- Payment method
- Travel itinerary
- Personal information
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Michelle Snell– Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.