Next year, US citizens will be required to obtain a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries.
The European Union has announced a new program that will come into force in January 2024.
What you need to know
Before buying a ticket or booking a hotel, visit the “European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)”. On this webpage you can apply for a travel authorization. You will be required to provide personal information, including your passport number, information about your job and where you live, as well as your travel plans and travel history.
The visa, which will cost around US$8, is similar to the one European visitors need to obtain when traveling to the United States, which costs US$21.
After submitting the form, you will receive an application confirmation email with your ETIAS number, which you should keep for future reference.
Most applicants will receive approval within “minutes”, according to the EU. However, some applications can take up to four days to be evaluated. If further documentation is required or if you are called for an interview, the application may take between 14 and 30 days to be approved. If the application is rejected, you can appeal the decision.
Once approved, your visa will be valid for three years and you can spend up to 90 days in the country.
Having an authorization does not mean you are guaranteed entry into a European Union country. As in the United States, the final decision rests with the border police. If you do not meet the border police entry conditions, you may be refused entry.