How to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to visit Europe
Vernazza, a village in Cinque Terre, Italy.
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Americans will soon have to apply for a travel permit to visit Europe — and if they don’t get one, your next trip could be ruined.
The requirement, which is scheduled to apply from 2024, currently applies to 30 European nationsincluding popular travel destinations such as France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Travelers must apply for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System ETIASbefore their trip.
The online application carries a non-refundable fee of 7 euros per person – or $7.40 at prevailing rates Exchange rates starting Thursday at 12 p.m. ET. (People under 18 or over 70 are exempt from payment.)
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Europe is the top travel region for international travelers from the United States. after to the travel app Hopper. But Americans are not allowed to visit without permission.
“If you forget, don’t get on the plane,” said Sofia Markovich, travel advisor and founder of Sofia’s Travel.
Why Europe requires a travel permit
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The permit is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. Travelers with a valid visa do not require approval.
In 2016, the European Commission suggested Establish the ETIAS to strengthen security checks for Americans and nationals from about 60 other nations who can enter Europe’s Schengen area without a visa.
The new European system is similar one introduced the USA in 2008.
“After 9/11, things changed in the world,” Markovich said. “It’s really about keeping things safe and knowing who’s coming in and who’s going out.”
When travelers should apply
Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, Spain.
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The good news: Travelers don’t have to do anything yet.
The European Union expects ETIAS to be operational in 2024, but has not set a firm rollout date. The program is not yet accepting applications.
“Now there’s nothing anyone can or has to do,” said Sally French, travel expert at NerdWallet. “But it’s something they need to keep an eye on.”
The requirement has already been delayed a few times — and could be delayed again, French said. It should come into force first in 2021 and then in 2023.
According to the EU, most applications are processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However, it may take up to an additional 30 days for travelers to be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to complete an interview with national authorities, the EU said.
“Once you make the booking, make sure you apply for your ETIAS,” Markovich said.
The EU even strongly recommends obtaining travel authorization before purchasing tickets and booking hotels.
“Seven euros is small potatoes in the itinerary of your European trip,” French said of the registration fee. “You don’t want to have paid for the flights, hotels and tours and find that you can’t go on the trip because of this small step.”
The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers with a valid ETIAS do not need to apply for a new one every time they visit Europe.
