Do I need a visa to go to Europe? What ETIAS is and the new travel rules for 2025

Posted by Admin November 14, 2024 Travel

The rules for traveling to European destinations are set to change in the new year, requiring a few extra steps for advanced approval in the form of a travel authorization.

Starting in the first quarter of 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requires travelers from the list of over 60 visa-exempt countries who want to travel to any of the 30 member countries of Europe’s Schengen Zone, to register with ETIAS.

You’ll still need your passport, too. Here’s everything you need to know and how to apply.

What is ETIAS?

According to the European Union, the ETIAS travel authorization is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting any of the 30 European countries. It is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization.

ETIAS is not a visa but an entry requirement, and it is valid for short-term tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes.

With ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter and move about any of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).

Where do I need ETIAS?

The new travel authorization is required for anyone entering a member country of Europe’s Schengen area. This currently includes 23 EU member states, six non-EU countries, and three European microstates, covering a total of 32 countries and territories.

The following is a list of countries that require travelers not from Europe to register for ETIAS:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City

How do you apply for ETIAS?

To apply, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the nonrefundable application fee, which applies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. Family members of EU citizens and those under 18 or over 70 still need an ETIAS but will not be charged.

You can apply at the ETIAS website. ETIAS applications are typically processed within four days. Delays could occur due to additional information or interviews, extending the processing time to 30 days.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

No, ETIAS does not require a visa. It is a visa waiver program for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Instead of getting a traditional visa, travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization online before traveling to any of the Schengen area countries.

Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending topics for the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.