Starting in 2025, some travelers to countries in the European Union will have a new requirement to fulfill before they embark on their journey. Following new travel authorization rules announced by the E.U. under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), prospective visitors from more than 60 “visa-exempt” countries, including the United States, will have to fill out an online application and pay a small fee before traveling to any of 30 European countries.
What to Know About ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
- When will the E.U. start accepting applications? The official ETIAS website states that it is currently not in operations and not accepting applications at this time, but we feel that will change as we get closer to 2025 this upcoming year.
- Who needs to apply to visit an E.U. country? Any national of the visa-exempt countries to the E.U. who is looking to travel to an E.U. country for a short-term stay must apply for ETIAS authorization. These visa-exempt countries include the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Mexico. A full list can be found here. A short-term stay is defined by the European Union as any stay (or combination of stays) up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Stateless people living in and with a travel document from one of the visa-exempt countries or Ireland will also be required to apply for ETIAS authorization.
- How much does it cost to apply? There will be a fee of 7 euros, or roughly $8, attached to the online application for ETIAS authorization. This authorization is valid for three years or earlier, if the travel document used to fill out the application expires before the authorization does. Once used, this authorization is only valid for short-term stays, or 90 days of travel within a 180-day period.
- What information do I have to provide to ETIAS? To apply, prospective travelers will have to provide personal information, including their name, date of birth, nationality, address, parents’ names, email address and phone number. They will also be asked to share their current occupation and level of education, as well as details about their intended travel and stays in E.U. countries.
Applicants must also include details of the document they will be using to travel, such as a passport. There are special requirements for eligibility for travel documents from some countries (not including the U.S.).
ETIAS applicants will also be asked to provide details about any criminal convictions, among other personal information.
- How do I know I’ve been approved? Once the system is up and running, ETIAS applicants will receive an email confirming their application has been submitted. This email will have an application number that is important to keep for future reference. Once an application has been processed, travelers will receive a second email with the authorization decision.
- How long will it take for ETIAS to approve me? Most applications should be processed within minutes of applying, but prospective travelers should expect to receive an application decision within four days. Exceptions are if additional documentation or information is needed, or if applicants are asked to be interviewed.
If approved, travelers should confirm that all their personal information is correct; if there is a mistake that isn’t corrected before travel, the authorization will not be valid to cross into the E.U. If an authorization is for some reason rejected, applicants can appeal the decision.
- How far in advance do I need to apply? Prospective travelers should apply for ETIAS certification at least a month before their planned travel date, and ideally before that. This is because it could take an additional 30 days beyond the normal turnaround time if you’re flagged for an interview. In the case of a rejected application, an appeals process would be necessary to travel.
Travelers must be in possession of their ETIAS authorization throughout their entire stay in the E.U. Although the authorization is necessary to enter the E.U., it does not guarantee entry at border control. Travelers must still meet established E.U. entry requirements, which include having a passport or other travel document that is valid for the duration of their stay and at least three months afterward.
Will ETIAS Slow You Down at Airports?
While it aims to streamline border control, there’s a chance it could initially slow down airport queues, particularly for those with tight flight connections.
Here’s why:
- New process: ETIAS is unfamiliar territory for both travelers and border officials. The initial adjustment period might lead to slower processing times as everyone gets accustomed to the new system.
- Additional checks: ETIAS involves pre-travel authorization, meaning extra checks will be conducted alongside existing passport control procedures. This could add to the overall processing time.
Impact on tight connections:
For travelers with short layovers between flights, ETIAS could potentially cause missed connections. This is especially true for those flying via multiple Schengen zone countries, where passport control is already required before connecting flights.
So remember to keep your traveling smooth below is a checklist for your ETIAS
- Apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
- Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorization – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match.
- Make sure your ETIAS travel authorization 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.