ETIAS Visa Waiver for Americans
Europe's travel authorization for u.s. citizens.
This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.
US passport holders will soon need ETIAS to travel to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be operational from 2025.
ETIAS is the new travel permit for Americans and other visa-exempt non-EU citizens visiting European destinations such as France , Italy, and Spain.
U.S. nationals can continue to go to Europe visa-free for short stays by applying for ETIAS .
Do Americans need a visa for Europe?
Americans who meet the ETIAS requirements do not need a visa for Europe. This means that US passport holders can travel to Europe without a visa:
- For up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- For tourism, business, and short-term study
Visa-free American visitors need to apply for ETIAS .
Americans must hold a visa or residence permit to stay longer than 3 months or to work in Europe.
WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO VISIT EUROPE?
This is what Americans need to visit Europe for up to 90 days:
- Passport valid for 3 months after exiting the Schengen Area
- ETIAS from 2025
You can find out how to apply for your ETIAS to travel from the US to Europe below.
If you’re staying for longer than 90 days, check the specific requirements for your European destination.
Do American tourists need medical insurance for Europe?
Medical insurance is not an ETIAS requirement . You do not need to provide proof of health insurance to apply.
However, all American travellers are advised to take out insurance that covers medical emergencies and other travel-related incidents.
US citizens need ETIAS for these European countries
Currently, there are 25 european countries that form part of the schengen area:.
- Czech Republic
- Netherlands
- EU Schengen
- Non-EU Schengen States
Non-Schengen EU States
Non-eu member states:.
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
Micro-States de facto part of Schengen Area:
- Vatican City
HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?
As an American, you can apply for ETIAS online. Fill out the electronic form, pay the fees, and submit the application.
You’ll be asked to provide the following information on your application form:
- Name and surname
- Nationality
- Date, place, and country of birth
- Current address
- Contact phone number
- Email address
- Passport number
- Passport issue/expiry date
- Criminal records
- Travel to conflict areas
Why do Americans need ETIAS to travel to Europe?
Americans need ETIAS because they are visa-exempt non-EU citizens . The ETIAS regulation applies to third-country nationals who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Other eligible nationalities include British, Australian , and Japanese.
ETIAS pre-screens travellers before they arrive in Europe . By identifying potential threats, ETIAS improves the security of the Schengen Area.
How will my information be used by ETIAS?
The information provided on an ETIAS application form is checked against security databases. These include 3 systems managed by eu-Lisa :
- Schengen Information System (SIS) — database to identify suspected criminals, missing persons and stolen objects.
- Visa Information System (VIS) —database to share visa information
- Eurodac —database storing fingerprints of asylum seekers and irregular migrants
If there is an alert in the system, European authorities know to review the application manually. A decision can then be made on whether to grant travel authorisation.
Is my ETIAS information kept secure?
Information provided on ETIAS applications can only be accessed by authorised users. In addition, advanced technology is used to protect data and prevent any unauthorised access.
ETIAS data protection is in line with European law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
When do Americans need to apply for ETIAS?
Americans need to apply for ETIAS for any trips to Europe after 2025.
After the first ETIAS has been issued, US citizens need to apply in 3 years' time or when their passport expires (whichever is sooner). ETIAS is valid with the passport used to apply only.
Americans planning to visit several European countries on one trip do not need to apply for different visa waivers. ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area.
TRAVELLING TO EUROPE FROM THE US WITH ETIAS
It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe; it grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries.
The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. You do not need to print your ETIAS—it is linked to the passport—but you must travel with the passport you used to apply.
There are regulations and restrictions on carrying weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency when travelling from the USA to Europe. Travellers must check the latest immigration rules.
US and Europe VISA WAIVER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
US citizens may be able to stay in some European countries beyond the 90-day Schengen limit . The United States has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with several countries.
The Schengen Area nations that have bilateral visa-waiver reciprocal agreements with the US are listed below. The maximum stay is also shown.
- Belgium (3 months)
- Denmark (3 months)
- Italy (3 months)
- Hungary (90 days)*
- Portugal (60 days)*
- Spain (90 days)*
- France (90 days)
- Latvia (90 days in half a year)*
- The Netherlands (90 days)*
Schengen-associated country with a bilateral agreement:
- Norway (90 days)
*Only ordinary passports are permitted
US passport holders who take advantage of one of these visa waiver bilateral agreements must exit the Schengen Area from that EU nation. On departure, they must fly directly to a third country or transit in a non-Schengen airport.
In addition, travellers must remain in that particular EU Member State. It is not possible to move freely around Europe under the bilateral agreements.
Bilateral agreements between the United States and European Union Member States are subject to change.
EUROPE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS
US citizens who do not meet the ETIAS requirements need a visa for Europe. Visa applicants need to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate of their European destinations.
Documentation requirements depend on the type of visa requested but may include:
- accommodation bookings
- Round trip flight tickets , or tickets to an onward destination
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
- Travel insurance that covers medical care in the Schengen Area
- A recent, passport-sized, photograph
Visa applications should be started several weeks before the intended travel date.
ETIAS for Americans - Related News
ETIAS Europe: the EU’s version of the US ESTA
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is being implemented by the European Union to improve safety and security within the Schengen Area. ETIAS is a visa waiver programme with…
ETIAS for Americans - FAQ
Which countries do american travellers need etias to visit.
With ETIAS, Americans can visit countries where Schengen visa policy applies . The most popular ETIAS destinations for US passport holders include France, Spain, and Italy.
There are no internal border checks in the Schengen Area—ETIAS is valid across the travel zone.
Do American children need ETIAS for Europe?
Yes , US passport holders of all ages need ETIAS for Europe, this includes children under the age of 18.
Parents or legal guardians can complete the ETIAS application on behalf of their children .
Do US citizens need ETIAS to transit through an airport in the Schengen Area?
You only need ETIAS if you will leave the international transit area of the airport. If you will stay in this area, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.
You must hold a valid travel authorisation to enter any of the countries requiring ETIAS, even if it is just for a short time between flights.
CAN AMERICANS USE AN ETIAS TO WORK IN EUROPE?
ETIAS is not a visa and is not valid to work in Europe.
US passport holders need to apply for a work permit or work visa for the European country they will work in. ETIAS is valid for short business trips, for example, to attend meetings, conferences, and other similar events.
CAN AMERICANS STUDY IN EUROPE WITH AN ETIAS?
Americans can study in Europe for up to 90 days with ETIAS. The visa waiver covers short language courses in European countries, for example.
A student visa is required for all study programmes lasting longer than 90 days.
IS ETIAS FOR US CITIZENS A VISA?
No , ETIAS is not a visa for Europe. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, or visa waiver, similar to the ESTA for the United States. US tourists and business travellers do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area short-term , provided they meet the requirements to travel visa-free. Americans will be able to register for ETIAS from 2025
How do Americans pay the ETIAS fee?
You’ll pay the ETIAS fee online at the end of the online application . All major payment methods are accepted.
The ETIAS system does not keep payment information after the transaction has been completed.
Do American tourists need confirmed travel plans to apply for ETIAS?
Your travel plans do not need to be 100% certain to apply for ETIAS. You do need to indicate which European country you’ll enter first when applying however, once you have your approved ETIAS, you can enter via any of the ETIAS countries.
New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025
Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.
Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.
SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."
An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
What to know about ETIAS for US travelers
If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.
Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.
The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.
Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.
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According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.
The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."
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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.
Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.
If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.
ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.
MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight
The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.
Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.
An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.
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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained
Emily Olson
St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements
Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.
Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.
Here's what you need to know.
What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?
While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.
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"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."
Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.
Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Why is it being implemented?
These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .
At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.
The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.
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Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.
And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.
"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."
"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.
When does it take effect?
The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.
And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.
"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.
But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.
Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?
Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.
There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.
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Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.
The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.
You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.
How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?
The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.
You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.
Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).
When is the right time to apply?
If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.
ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.
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Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.
The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.
Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.
Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.
Applying for a Schengen visa
The information on this page is indicative and not exhaustive. Interested parties should seek additional information from the Embassy or Consulate of the country of their main destination.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A Schengen visa can be obtained in the form of a single-entry visa , allowing the holder to enter the Schengen area once, or a multiple-entry visa , which is granted for several visits to the Schengen area for as long as it is valid.
The short-stay visa calculator can be used to calculate the remaining period of allowed stay. The user's guide will help you navigate the calculator with step by step instructions and practical examples.
An airport transit visa allows its holder to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. This visa does not allow its holder to leave the international transit area of an airport.
Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?
Certain non-EU citizens must hold a short stay visa when traveling to the Schengen area. The EU has a common list of countries whose citizens are required to hold a visa when crossing its external borders. There are national derogations from the visa requirements for certain travellers.
Some third-country nationals must also hold an airport transit visa when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in any of the Schengen States . For citizens of certain additional countries, an airport transit visa is required when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in some of the Schengen States . There are some categories of persons who are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa (see Article 3(5) of the Visa Code ).
Where to apply?
You must lodge the application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country you intend to visit . If you intend to visit more than one Schengen States, you should apply at the Consulate of the country where you will spend the longest period of time.
If you intend to visit several Schengen States and the stays will be of equal length, you must apply at the Consulate of the first country you will visit.
As a general rule, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Consulate with territorial competence for the country in which you legally reside.
More information for each Schengen country can be found on dedicated websites
When to apply.
The application must be submitted to the Consulate at least 15 days before the intended journey and cannot be lodged earlier than six months prior to the start of the intended journey. You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.
What documents are needed to apply?
- A valid passport. The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. In the case of multiple-entry visa, the passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
- A visa application form .
- A photo in compliance with ICAO standards .
- Medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in case of death).
- Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means during your stay, your accommodation and your will to return to your home country after your stay.
- Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).
- Additional documents can be requested by the Consulates.
How much does a visa cost?
- 80€ for adults;
- 40€ for children aged 6-12;
- 35€ for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus;
- 60€ for applicants from Cabo Verde.
An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres , which collect applications on behalf of Consulates in some cases.
The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.
Processing time of the application
The normal processing time of a visa application is 15 days. This period may be extended to up to 45 days, if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.
Under certain conditions, family members of EU or EEA citizens falling under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.
What is ETIAS
The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
- ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.
ETIAS in a nutshell
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries . It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
ETIAS requirements for travel to 30 European countries
The map is for illustration purposes only, exceptions apply.
Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation
You can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions .
Processing your ETIAS application
Most applications are processed within minutes.
It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
Once you have applied
You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.
When you get your ETIAS travel authorisation please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here .
If your application is refused , the email will provide the reasons for this decision. It will also include information about how to appeal , details of the competent authority, as well as the relevant time limit to appeal.
Validity period of your ETIAS
Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first.
It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect this time limit.
On arrival at the border
As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions . Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry.
More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders is available here .
Your ETIAS check-list
- Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
- Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
- Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid
- Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
- Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS - you will be refused entry at the border if it is not ( exceptions apply ).
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