Anyone looking to travel to Europe in 2024 should be aware of the new requirements that will come into effect for US passport holders.
If you have previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for a permit through the European Travel Information and Permit System, or despairprior to the visit.
Here’s what you need to know.
Today, American travelers enjoy visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index. And while the US passport currently ranks as the eighth most powerful passport, that could change when the European Union adds new documentation requirements for US visitors.
The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as the mobile application, has a fee of €7 or $7.79 USD. All communications are done by email.
Once approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to reside in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must have a valid ETIAS document during their entire stay.
According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in the event that an application is taking longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is required to provide additional documentation.
The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS permit “well in advance of your planned trip”.
Confirmation of application submission will be emailed with a unique number required for future reference.
Upon receipt of the travel authorization from ETIAS, travelers are required to ensure that the name, passport number and other information are correct as any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.
If an application is denied, the email will include the reasons for the decision as well as information on how to appeal.
The ETIAS Travel Authorization is valid for three years, depending on the European Union, or until the expiry of the travel document you used in your application, whichever comes first.
An ETIAS license is linked to a person’s travel document – such as a US passport – and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
Similar to international border requirements with a passport, an ETIAS license does not guarantee automatic right of entry. According to the EU, “border guards will check that entry conditions are met” and anyone who does not meet the conditions “will be refused entry”.
click here Learn more about the process from the European Union.
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