ETIAS for US Citizens

Beginning the first half of 2025, US citizens must acquire a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization. It allows them to enter 30 specific European countries.

The travel authorization is mandatory for short stays of up to 90 days in the European countries requiring ETIAS. It pre-screens visitors to identify irregular migration or high epidemic risks and reduce refusals at border crossing points.

Once the application system is operational, US citizens can start applying for it via an official website.

Eligibility for an ETIAS

US citizens are eligible for the travel authorization if they meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: Applicants must be legally recognized as US citizens. Additionally, they must not have a residence card or permit card/document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. 
2. Age: American travelers of all ages may apply for the travel authorization.
3. Valid passport: Passports must be machine-readable, should not expire in less than three months after the intended date of exit. It should also not be older than 10 years old.
4. Duration of stay: The visit should be for short-term stays with a maximum duration of 90 days in any 180 days.
5. Clean record: American travelers should not pose security, illegal immigration, or high epidemic risk to the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Countries requiring ETIAS 

Individuals traveling to the following 30 European countries must apply for an ETIAS if they are visiting for a short period, with a maximum duration of 90 days:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Denmark
8. Estonia
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Hungary
14. Iceland
15. Italy
16. Latvia
17. Liechtenstein
18. Lithuania
19. Luxembourg
20. Malta
21. Netherlands
22. Norway
23. Poland
24. Portugal
25. Romania
26. Slovakia
27. Slovenia
28. Spain
29. Sweden
30. Switzerland

What to prepare

To apply for an ETIAS, US citizens visiting the above-mentioned European countries for short stays must prepare the following:

1. Valid travel document: Their passport must not expire in less than three months and should not be older than 10 years. Although obtaining the travel authorization with a passport validity of three months or less is possible, it is not advisable. Authorities may refuse them entry at border crossing points.
2. Payment card: As the application is online, American travelers must have electronic payment means such as a credit card or debit card. 
3. Personal information. American travelers must disclose their passport details and personal information. They may also need to provide details on their educational attainment and current occupation. This is apart from their travel plans and any past criminal offenses.

Application steps

American travelers must apply via an official website to secure an ETIAS travel authorization. 

Step one: Fill up the application form with the following:

1. Personal information (Name, date and place of birth, citizenship, home address, e-mail address, telephone number)
2. Passport information
3. Educational attainment and present occupation
4. Trip in any of the countries requiring ETIAS
5. Criminal convictions, past travels to war/conflict zones, and if they’ve recently been asked to leave a country.

Step two: Pay for the ETIAS. 

The fee is EUR 7. The American applicant can choose from different online payment methods.

Note that the following are exempt from paying the fee:

1. Applicants below 18 years old 
2. Applicants above 70 years old
3. Applicants who are family members of EU nationals 
4. Applicants who are family members of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the EU

Step three: Await the decision.

Once the American applicant submits the application, he/she will receive an e-mail with a unique ETIAS application number. Another e-mail will contain the decision.

Reminders and tips

1. American travelers must double-check the information on their ETIAS travel authorization once it is issued. Specifically, they must ensure their name, passport number, and other data are correct. Moreover, any mistakes will result in its refusal, revocation, or invalidation. 
2. If authorities refuse, revoke, or annul the application, they have the right to appeal. He or she will receive an instruction e-mail. This will depend on the national laws of the European country the appeal must be addressed to.
3. Having the travel authorization does not guarantee entry into the 30 European countries requiring an ETIAS. It will ultimately be up to the border guards at border crossing points to decide whether to grant you entry. It is best to bring supporting documents in case additional information is requested.

Tips to Successfully Get an EU ETIAS

1. To avoid delays, apply in advance before you book your accommodation and plane tickets. The decision typically takes minutes, however, in some cases, these may take longer to be processed. If authorities require additional information/documentation or an interview, processing can take up to 14 to 30 days.
2. Prepare important documents before applying. Ensure you have your travel document and other information before completing the application. Later, you will supply information from these.
3. Provide correct and complete information. Mistakes will merit applying for a new ETIAS travel authorization. However, if it is only a typographical error, you may request its correction instead. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a Schengen visa required instead of an ETIAS for the 30 European countries requiring an ETIAS travel authorization? 

You must apply for a Schengen visa if you will stay in the country requiring ETIAS for over 90 days. 

If I already have a Schengen visa, do I still need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization?

No, it’s no longer necessary. 

What if I want to work in Europe? Do I still need an ETIAS travel authorization?

No. You will need to apply for a work visa instead.

How long is the ETIAS travel authorization valid for?

The ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Do you need to submit your fingerprints for ETIAS?

No, applying for an ETIAS does not require travelers to submit their biometric data such as their fingerprints. 

What if I need to renew my ETIAS travel authorization?

You will get an email notifying you that your ETIAS travel authorization is expiring soon. Consequently, you’ll be given 120 days before the expiration date to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization.

Do I need to print out my ETIAS travel authorization?

It’s not necessary because the ETIAS travel authorization will be electronically linked to your passport. But if it helps you feel more secure, feel free to bring along a printout.

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