Travel
Europe Adds Electronic Authorization for American Visitors
US citizens have long enjoyed traveling to European Union (EU) countries with their passports as the sole requirement for a visit extending up to 3 months (90 days). No visit visa or other authorization prior to departure for the EU destination is required for American passport holders. But that is about to change next year.
Starting early 2024, EU is set to add a new documentation requirement for visitors from the United States and other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As reported in Condé Nast Traveler, the upcoming EU travel regulations will require incoming travelers from these countries to European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) prior to departure for any EU destination. The story wrote:
ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense; it only requires a quick online application, with approval delivered via email.
To obtain ETIAS, you’ll just need to fill an online form and make a small payment of $8 as your application fee; then wait for the authorization to arrive in your email. It will usually be no more than an hour to receive your ETIAS authorization. In some cases, the process may take 3 to 4 days maximum.
Good Morning America wrote about the new requirement for American travelers and noted that ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years but the maximum time spent on a single visit will remain the same, i.e. 90 days. It means if your passport is still valid for travel (not past its expiry date), after you leave Europe, you don’t need to apply for another ETIAS on your next visit.
With the global health emergency now lifted worldwide, travel is expected to pick momentum again and if you happen to have travel plans, we recommend you take a quick look at some common travel problems and their solution for safety and comfort along the way.
 countries with their passports as the sole requirement for a visit extending up to 3 months (90 days). No visit visa or other authorization prior to departure for the EU destination is required for American passport holders. But that is about to change next year. […])
