Announcements : Learn about ETIAS and what it means for travelers to Europe.
Announcement: Learn about ETIAS and what it means for travelers to Europe.
Effective January 2024, US citizens and citizens of other countries who did not previously need a visa for travel and tourism in most countries of Europe will need to complete the ETIAS process.
Update as of 10/1/2023 - Implementation of this policy has likely been delayed until 2025. Information on the likely delay - https://etias.com/articles/etias-implementation-likely-delayed-to-2025
What is the ETIAS?
It stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. (or "Authorisation" for those using British English). The short answer is that effective in January 2024, travelers to a majority of the countries within Europe will need to apply no later than a week prior to travel for this authorization There is a modest fee (currently under $10) and it will be valid for three years. Travelers who arrive by plane to any of the countries within the Schengen region (see below), or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European microstates with open borders will need to have obtained this authorization or the traveler ill be denied entry to the country. There will be a grace period between the start of the ETIAS requirement on January, 1 2024 and full implementation starting on June 30, 2024.
Here is a link for more information:
https://etias.com/etias-frequently-asked-questions
There is some overlap between EU members and the countries in the Schengen Region.
The 27 Schengen Region countries Include:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland*, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein*, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway*, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland*.
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland*, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein*, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway*, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland*.
23 members fully implement the Schengen acquis. Four of them – members of the EFTA, implement Schengen acquis through specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement:
* Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are associate members of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU. They are part of the EFTA and implement the Schengen acquis through specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement.
Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have opened their borders but are not members of the visa-free zone.
The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone, even though they are located outside the European continent.
There are four more EU members that have not joined the Schengen zone: Ireland – which still maintains opt-outs, and Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus – which are seeking to join soon