Travel to Europe from U.S. could get more complicated with new requirement. What to expect

Posted by Admin February 21, 2025 Travel

Americans looking to travel to Europe will need to register for a mandatory travel system, ETIAS.
ETIAS is not currently in effect, with an estimated start date at some time in 2026.

Looking to travel to Europe soon? Prepare for a new requirement for traveling overseas that could arrive as early as 2026.

European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, will be mandatory for those coming to Europe from the United States, although its implementation is still unclear.

ETIAS was created by the European Union, and it will be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, to enter Europe.

The E.U. previously planned for the ETIAS to go into effect in 2020, but the implementation was pushed back several times.

As of February 2025, travelers from the United States do not need an ETIAS to travel to Europe. In fact, the ETIAS operation will not start in the first half of 2025, according to the European Union, which released some information about the requirement on Wednesday.

The public will be notified of the ETIAS requirement several months before its implementation, said the E.U.

The estimated implementation date is some time in 2026, although nothing official has been announced.

What is the ETIAS?

This travel authorization is meant to “strengthen border security streamline traveler screening and monitor public health risks.” The system will collect personal information, passport details and travel history before granting approval to the travel destination.

There is limited information on how to apply, but it will be an online application and it will cost $7 but will be free for those under 18 and over 70 years old.

Approval time could take days, and it will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

The ETIAS will launch months after the introduction of the Entry Exit System, or EES.

The EES is an IT system that will register non-European travelers who are going to the continent for a short stay, which is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The system is currently not in operation and is due to start “later in 2025,” but no official date has been announced. Just as with the ETIAS, the E.U. said they will announce the start of the EES several months prior to its launch.

Travel requirements when traveling to U.K.

The United Kingdom, separate from the European Union, has its own travel entry requirements that went into effect for non-Visa owning U.S. citizens in January.

Those traveling from the United States to the United Kingdom on a short visit will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a U.K. Visa. More information on how to apply is available at the U.K. government website.