New Requirement Imposed: Americans Travelling to Europe Compelled to Take an Additional Measure
Officials have announced that a new travel requirement for Americans visiting most European countries will be implemented in mid-2025. This requirement involves an online travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and will apply to visitors of 30 European countries, including popular destinations like France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. The system was originally scheduled to go into effect in 2021 but has been delayed multiple times. The ETIAS system will register travelers’ information and biometric data, including face scans and fingerprints, and will replace the manual stamping of passports. Travelers will need to fill out an ETIAS application form prior to travel and pay a $7 fee. The authorization will be valid for three years. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Mexico, and several European countries, will also have to comply with this requirement. The new system aims to strengthen security checks for visitors from over 60 countries who can visit Europe’s Schengen Area without a visa. While some officials have expressed concerns about the system causing congestion and longer processing times at European airports, others view it as a manageable bit of red tape for travelers.
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