New Travel Mandate for American Travelers Going to Europe Scheduled for Implementation in 2025
U.S. passport holders must acquire pre-authorization before traveling to 30 countries.
American passport holders planning a European vacation in 2025 may need online pre-approval before their trip.
Once the program is implemented, over 1.4 billion people from more than 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to complete a travel pre-screening and receive approval before entering European immigration.
Upon receiving ETIAS approval, it will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport, valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Whether the dream is a Mediterranean cruise or a visit to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, American tourists should not delay in applying.
Waiting until after making travel arrangements to apply for the visa can lead to costly delays and potential refusal by airlines or immigration authorities in 30 participating countries.
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Currently, ETIAS allows for multiple entries over three years.
The cost of obtaining ETIAS authorization will be approximately $8.
No fee will be charged for applicants under 18 or over 70.
Required information includes the applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, and travel document details.
The form will also require details about travel plans, any criminal convictions, and previous deportations by the applicant.
If applying on behalf of a family member, proof of relationship and a signed representation declaration will be necessary.
Passengers shop at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France near Paris, on Dec. 2, 2021. Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters
Once the online form is submitted, the traveler will receive a confirmation email and a tracking number for reference.
According to the website, most applications will be processed “within minutes,” although a decision may take up to four days.
However, European Union officials emphasize that completing the ETIAS application does not guarantee approval.
Therefore, they stress the importance of applying before purchasing tickets or making accommodation reservations.
If an application is rejected, the traveler can appeal the decision.
Reasons for rejection may include the use of invalid or incorrect travel documents, classification as a security or illegal immigration risk, or failure to provide requested documentation.
The start date for the ETIAS program has changed multiple times since its introduction by the European Commission in 2016.
It was developed to pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt countries as part of efforts to combat cross-border terrorism and crime.
At the time of this report, the ETIAS website is not yet accepting applications.
