The launch of the new visa-like travel system for Europe is no longer expected to start in the first half of this year.
If you’re planning a European trip in the next few years, renewing your passport and applying for PreCheck are no longer the only items on your to-do list before you head to SeaTac to catch your flight. Now you’ll want to add “apply for ETIAS” to your list. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new requirement for American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries. It was intended to roll out in the first part of 2025, but the timeline has just changed yet again.
Read on for all you need to know about ETIAS!
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is a new travel authorization that will be required in addition to a passport to visit participating European countries. You will need it for short-term trips of up to 90 days. The new system is meant to strengthen security for international travel.
Who needs to apply for ETIAS?
Anyone in the U.S. with a passport who can currently travel to Europe without a visa will need ETIAS for the same trip. This applies to not just the U.S. but to 60 countries in all.
Countries that require it
There are 30 countries in Europe that will be requiring ETIAS. The list includes but is not limited to:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Monaco
- Vatican City
You can view the full list of countries here.
When does it take effect?
The new travel authorization was supposed to take effect sometime in 2024, but in December 2023 a later launch date of mid-2025 was announced. This is because the new entry/exit database (EES) wasn’t expected to be ready until then. Most recently, the timeline shifted again when the European Union announced that ETIAS will not be implemented in the first half of 2025 after all due to the EES launch being pushed back again. Now the plan is for ETIAS to start in the final quarter of 2026.
ETIAS was originally supposed to start in 2021 so there’s always a chance that the rollout will meet further delays. That said, it’s best to keep track of any updates if you have European travel plans in 2026 or 2027.
How do you apply for it?
Travelers can apply directly online at the official ETIAS site. There will be an online form that can be filled out on your computer or phone. It should only take about 10 minutes. You’ll need a passport that isn’t due to expire in the next three months.
You’ll want to apply at least a month before your next upcoming trip to Europe. Typically decisions should be delivered within a few days or even minutes but delays can happen. If you are denied then you’ll have the option of a lengthier appeal process.
How much does it cost?
There is a fee of about 7 euros, or $8. It will be good for three years or until your passport expires—whichever occurs first.
You can read more on the official ETIAS website.