ETIAS is currently not in operation - No applications are collected at this point
ETIAS is currently not in operation - No applications are collected at this point

Frequently Asked Questions:
ETIAS Travel Authority & European
Travel Visas for US citizens

EU flag star circle - Learn about ETIAS Travel Authority & European Travel Visas for US citizens

ETIAS is currently not in operation - No applications are collected at this point
ETIAS is currently not in operation - No applications are collected at this point

ETIAS Travel Authority Requirements for American Citizens

Expected to be operational in May 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) requires US citizens to obtain travel authorization before entering 30 European countries for a short-term stay.

ETIAS Travel Authorization for US Citizens

If you are an American citizen planning to travel to any of the European countries *listed below, you will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization. The authorization, linked to your passport, is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. In the case that you get a new passport, you will need to obtain a new ETIAS travel authorization.

ETIAS Travel Authorization Popular Questions

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system that the European Union (EU) for travelers from countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone — a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

ETIAS was designed to enhance security and manage the increasing number of travelers visiting the Schengen Area. It would require eligible travelers to obtain online authorization before their trip, allowing authorities to screen travelers before they arrive in Europe. The authorization would be valid for multiple short stays within the Schengen Area over three years.

Which *European Countries Will Require ETIAS Travel Authorization in 2025?

These 30 European countries will require ETIAS travel authorization for US citizens in 2025

• 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
• SWITZERLAND

Will American citizens need a visa to travel to Europe in 2023 or 2024?

No. The ETIAS program will start in the first half of 2025. American passport holders traveling to specific European countries will need prior authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for 2025 travel.

How can US Citizens apply for ETIAS travel authorization?

ETIAS is currently not in operation, and no applications are collected at this point. When the program goes live, you can apply for an ETIAS travel authorization by filling out and submitting an application. You will need to have a valid passport and pay a EUR 7 (just under or around USD 8) application fee.

Please note: Your passport must be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS and should not be older than ten years.

When should US Citizens apply for ETIAS travel authorization?

Your GET Travel Team highly recommends that you acquire the ETIAS travel authorization prior to booking your trip or purchasing airline tickets. Most applications can be processed within minutes and should be available within 96 hours of submission. However, in some cases, additional information, documentation, or an interview may be required, which could take up to 30 days.

What do you need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization?

American citizens need a valid passport to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. Your passport must be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS and should not be older than ten years.

To travel on an international guided tour or river cruise, it's required that each traveler's passport contains at least three blank visa pages and is valid for six months after the completion of the tour. Before booking your trip abroad, ensure you have all your passport information up to date and ready to go.

Valid ETIAS Travel Authorization & Entry

If you have a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you may enter the territories of these European countries multiple times for short-term stays within 180 days. Keep in mind that travel authorization does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, a border guard may verify your passport and other documents to ensure you meet all entry requirements.

Before Booking an International Trip

To apply for ETIAS travel authorization, your passport needs to be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure. However, to travel on an international guided tour or river cruise, it is required that passports be valid for six months after the completion of the tour and contains at least three blank visa pages for each person traveling. Before booking your trip abroad, ensure you have all your passport information up to date and ready to go.

Renewing Your Passport