Are you ready for a European vacation?
Let’s find out. You finally decided you’ve been working too hard and too long, and you want that “big” vacation. The trip to Europe that you put off for years. Maybe you imagine train rides across several countries. Maybe a European cruise to sample a wide variety of coastal cities. Regardless, you are ready to go!
If you are from the United States, Canada, Australia, or any one of the 60 visa-exempt countries, you are in luck. You are able to travel visa-free to the Schengen Zone, which is made up of 29 EU countries that are most likely on your “to visit” list. The Schengen Zone includes France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Italy, Greece… you get the idea. You can see the full list of Schengen countries here.
You just need to show up in one of the Schengen counties by port, airport, or border, and you are able to stay for up to 90 days out of 180 days. For clarity, border control can at any time decline your admission, but I am guessing that is a small fraction of a percent, and I won’t address that here.
Easy enough, right? Well, think again.
Starting in the first half of 2025, there will be a new step that you need to take before getting on a plane or a transatlantic cruise ship. You will need to get an ETIAS travel authorization.
WHAT IS ETIAS?
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, was established in 2018. It will be an electronic authorization system that allows proper tracking of all visa-free travelers from outside the EU, while still not requiring a visa.
And just to be clear, if you are coming from a country that requires a visa, ETIAS does not apply to you. Follow the visa process required of people with your passport as usual. ETIAS is only for people that are:
– Not citizens of a Schengen country.
– Have a passport that allows them to travel visa-free to Schengen countries.
The date for implementation has been pushed out to the first half of 2025, so it is always possible that could happen again. That said, I would plan as if you will need the ETIAS authorization if you are planning European travel in 2025.
Because this is all fluid, please do your own research and look for up to the minute details in the months before your travel.
HOW DOES ETIAS WORK?
You might be thinking this sounds a lot like a Visa, but it really is much easier and less expensive than most visas.
First the cost, which of course is subject to change upon implementation. At this time, it appears it will just cost €7, so very reasonable. And minors and travelers over age 70 will not have to pay a fee.
Second the lead time, which is just the reported estimate until the system is really running. You complete an online application form, so no visit to a consulate. In most cases, the travel authorization will be delivered in minutes. In a very few cases, some additional checks may be required which could take up to 30 days, so be prepared just in case.
Third, how long will it last? This may be the best part. Once you finish the basic online application for €7 and get your approval, the authorization is good for three years!
The only reason that I am aware of that it would last for less than three years is if your passport expired during that time. Every time you get a new passport, you will need a new ETIAS travel authorization.
DOES ETIAS AFFECT ME?
While ETIAS will impact most Americans traveling to Europe, remember that there are some countries on the European mainland that are not part of the Schengen zone, and therefore may not be impacted by ETIAS.
At this time, the following countries share the European land mass, but are outside of the Schengen zone: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, and United Kingdom. And that does not include nearby favorites like Turkey, Morocco, and more. At this time, each of these countries have their own Visa policies that you will need to pay attention to, but ETIAS is not related.
For example, if you are a US citizen traveling to London and Scotland, you will fall under the United Kingdom visa rules, which at this time allow 6 months of visa-free travel, and that would not require ETIAS. However, the U.K. is working on their own ETA system for electronic tracking, but details are not fully fleshed out yet.
And nearby Ireland does not plan to participate in the ETIAS system, but again, things can change.
Having said all that, if you plan to travel near the European mainland, I highly recommend getting your ETIAS travel authorization even if you do not plan to use it. Plans can change. You can have a quick flight change in Paris that turns into an overnight stay due to cancelled flights, weather, or some other travel-impacting event. If you are prepared, this is one less thing for you to worry about in the stress of the situation.
Due to the ever-changing complexity of international travel requirements, security considerations, and changes in law, you should always plan for some due diligence in the months leading up to your travel.
You can find the latest information on ETIAS here and frequently asked questions here.
I hope this was helpful, and here’s to a wonderful European trip!
